A long-running campaign for a wholesale change to Kendal's road laws is gathering pace, as debate rages around the benefits against the costs of such a scheme.

Councillor Eamonn Hennessy, Chair of Environment and Highways at Kendal Town Council has championed the case for changing the speed limit on all of Kendal's roads to 20mph, part of the "20s Plenty" campaign, which has been adopted in many other communities nationwide.

In January 2021 Kendal Town Council passed a motion supporting the 20mph limit across the town, after extensive and lengthy feasibility consultations, and the case has been further strengthened by new research published in October 2021, showing that there are significant reductions in emissions with cars travelling at 20mph rather than 30mph.

Whilst this is one of the main benefits of the scheme, Cllr Hennessy pointed out that the positives are even more far-reaching, and it was "a case of when, not if" it becomes a reality, though he hopes it will be implemented in 2023 under the new Unitary Authority:

"Its cleaner, safer, and friendlier - safer streets and roads encourage people to walk and cycle.

"There are clear physical and mental health benefits to active travel. When you ask people why they don’t cycle more, the one answer you hear time and time again is that they do not feel safe doing so on our roads.

"Lower speeds make cycling and walking far more appealing due to the both the reduction in speed and associated lower accident rates, but also due to shorter required reaction times. In addition, it again links to cleaner air and less pollution.

"It’s far more friendly and inviting to walk or cycle in a more agreeable atmosphere."

Cllr Hennessy also pointed out that the cost of introducing the scheme throughout Kendal would be less than the cost of just one road fatality:

"Our preference at this time is to implement this across the whole of town, all at once."

Reaction to the plans has been largely well-received, particularly by residents of so-called "danger-spots" such as Aynam Road and Kirkland, but there are voices of dissent.

Rob Bell, who owns Rob Bell Fencing in Kendal, said: "If you want to try a 20mph section of road go to Wateredge in Ambleside - it’s a pain in the backside and I’m mostly on a tractor."

Charlie Lees, another Kendal resident who travels regularly, said:

"Looking at crash statistics, a 20mph limit isn't needed at all in Kendal."

Ryan Phillips, a member of Kendal Cycle Club, said: "Certain parts could definitely benefit from it. I live near Kirkland and that can be a hair-raising even crossing the road. Kendal isn't the easiest road system to navigate if you don't know it, so I can definitely see the safety aspect, as a walker, cyclist and driver."