A SPEED table is to be installed on a busy Kendal road in a bid to allow safer crossing for pedestrians and to slow down traffic.

The zebra crossing by the footbridge on Aynam Road is to be raised as part of planned resurfacing works which begin later this month. Once complete, it will be a maximum of 10 centimetres high and 12 metres long.

The speed table idea was funded by former Cumbria county councillor Clare Feeney-Johnson before she stood down from office ahead of May's local elections.

She became aware of an issue of traffic failing to stop for pedestrians at the crossing while out investigating the existing issue of speeding along the road, which was drawn to her attention by concerned residents.

"Cars just don't stop for people crossing and it's dangerous," she said. "Looking at the road there's no real reason for it because there's a clear line of sight and drivers are obviously supposed to adhere to the rules of the road.

"But with this, cars will have to slow down whether there's people there or not so the overall speed should be reduced on that straight.

"It's dangerous there and there have been a number of accidents on that road and it could continue or get worse if something isn't done. This isn't a speed bump – it's purely and simply a method of making that crossing safe."

The speed table is to be constructed as part of plans to resurface the length of Aynam Road from Miller Bridge to Nether Bridge.

That gets under way on August 29 and should take 10 days to complete. It will involve the road being closed to traffic between the hours 6pm to 12.30am.

A spokesperson for Cumbria County Council said: “Following reports of vehicles failing to stop at the zebra crossing on Aynam Road, and concerns from local residents about the speed of vehicles, a speed table (road hump) was approved through the South Lakeland Local Committee.

"It is hoped the speed table will make the zebra crossing more visible to drivers and assist in reducing the speed of vehicles along Aynam Road."