I write regarding Ulverston and the need for a 20mph scheme.

There are two types of 20mph schemes; zones and speed limits. The zones scheme involves traffic-calming measures, such as speed bumps, chicanes, road narrowing and a variety of other enforcement techniques.

The speed limit idea simply involves the use of a legally enforceable speed limit without any physical measures.

The former has been shown to be the most effective but is also much more costly to set up and creates the greatest level of antagonism from drivers, although generally welcomed by pedestrians and cyclists.

The key element in all of this is stopping distances. Remember these consist of, first, the ‘Thinking Distance’ and then the ‘Braking Distance’ so will be variable according to age and ability of the driver.

They are also, of course, very dependant upon weather and road conditions. Latest guidance from the DVLA gives the following figures: 20mph - 12 metres; 30mph - 23 metres and 40mph - 36 metres.

It doesn’t take a great leap in imagination to foresee the result of this in fatalities and severe injury on our roads. Again latest figures show the following likelihood of death or serious injury: 20mph - five per cent; 30mph - 45 per cent; 40mph - 85 per cent.

Ulverston, although ideally placed for a 20mph scheme, has been talking about this for years and still nothing has been done. Looking at the figures above it could be argued that there is a powerful duty of care case that it is high time that at least one of these 20mph enforcement measures has to be adopted as a matter of urgency.

Alongside the urgent need for a 20mph scheme in Ulverston, the other long-debated idea is for the pedestrianisation of Market Street.

This would probably need to include New Market Street and the northern section of Brogden Street.

Here, too, Ulverston is ideally placed for such a scheme. Imagine the joy of this area being traffic-free and the vibrant town centre that would result?

Of course there would be a need to cater for deliveries and other needs, such as disabled access ,but it cannot be beyond the capabilities of planners to achieve this.

We are suggesting that it is high time the talking stopped and urgent action is taken to achieve these two important improvements to our town’s infrastructure and safety.

Peter Howlett

Ulverston Green Party