THE speed limit on a stretch of road running alongside Ullswater is being reduced to improve pedestrian safety when a new jetty comes into service.

Today Cumbria County Council’s Local Committee for Eden gave the go-ahead to implement a 40mph speed limit on a section of the A592 at Aira Force, Watermillock.

Ullswater Steamers are proposing to build a new jetty for the company’s vessels on the opposite side of the A592 to the main Aira Force car park. A new crossing point will be installed as part of this development. The 40mph speed limit will improve pedestrian safety at the crossing point and throughout this stretch of the A592.

MORE TOP STORIES:The Lake District national Park Authority’s development control committee made the 40mph speed limit a condition of planning permission for the jetty.

The new speed limit will cover the A592 from 100 meters south of its junction with the A5091 to a point around 1.2km to the north. The 40mph restriction will also be introduced on a short 160m stretch of the A5091 around its junction with the A592.

Coun Martin Stephenson, chairman of Cumbria County Council’s Local Committee for Eden, said: “Installing a jetty at this location will lead to a big increase in the number of pedestrians crossing this stretch of one of the Lake District’s busiest roads so reducing the speed limit is essential for pedestrian safety.”

The cost of the scheme is being covered by the National Trust and Ullswater Steamers under a private works agreement with the county council.