RESIDENTS could get their wish for traffic calming and a 20mph speed limit on their housing estate in the New Year.

Around 850 leaflets have been circulated to people living on Kendal's Hallgarth, asking them to comment on the proposals.

"Overwhelming support" for physical measures to force drivers to cut their speed was shown at a residents' meeting in July.

Traffic surveys revealed that up to 2,000 vehicles use Sparrowmire Lane during normal week days, and around 15 per cent exceed the existing 30mph speed limit.

Some drivers also travel too fast on the western side of Hallgarth Circle.

Features proposed for Hallgarth include:

l 'Bus friendly' speed cushions.

m 'Flat top' humps at pedestrian crossing places.

m 'Round top' humps where higher speeds are experienced.

m 20mph zone signs, and road markings.

The features would be spaced 70 metres apart, to reduce speeds, keep noise down and cut vehicle exhaust emissions.

The traffic calming plans for Hallgarth are tied in with Kendal Traffic Steering Group's vision to discourage cars from driving through the busy town centre.

Traffic calming is to be gradually introduced to residential areas, to avoid rat-running.

Residents of Hallgarth have until the end of September to give their views.

Cumbria County Council's South Lakeland area committee will consider the scheme, and the responses, before deciding whether to back the plans.

Highways engineers hope to build the features in the New Year, if the scheme is supported.