A new initiative to improve safety and reduce speed on the approach to Kendal has resulted in lower average speeds recorded.
Cumbria County Council’s highways team installed a speed indicator device (SID) on the A5284 Windermere Road in October 2018 as part of a bid to enhance road safety for motorists, local residents and pedestrians. The project also included other speed calming measures such as changing the speed limit to 30mph, gate-way signage and new road markings.
Early results from the SID show that average weekly speeds reduced to below 30mph, for the first few weeks after the equipment was installed, and have now plateaued to within the 30mph limit range – a significant improvement following multiple reports of vehicles travelling too fast on the approach to the town.
The scheme was funded by Cllr Peter Thornton – the local member for Kendal Strickland and Fell, and the county council’s Deputy Leader – from his annual local highways budget allowance.
Cllr Thornton said: “I am delighted that early indications show that the speed indicator device and other measures are working and are resulting in lower average speeds being recorded. This is good news for the local community, who have expressed concerns about excessive speeding on the approach to Kendal from the A591. We’ll continue to monitor the impact of the equipment, but the initial results are very positive.”