RESIDENTS have called for action to be taken on a ‘dangerous’ section of road in Kendal.

Concerns, including pedestrian safety and speeding HGVs, have been raised about the junction at Queen’s Road, Windermere Road and Green Road.

Laura Miller, a business owner and resident in the town, raised concerns at a recent meeting of Cumbria County Council’s South Lakeland Local Committee.

She referred to an e-petition ‘Improve the safety of the junction at Queens Road, Windermere Road and Green Road and provide safe crossing place for pedestrians’, which has so far garnered more than 100 signatures.

The businesswoman stated:

  • There is ‘poor’ visibility for road users at the junction when exiting Queen’s Road and Green Road
  • Traffic speeds up on Windermere Road as it goes past the junction
  • HGVs speed up past a small and exposed pedestrian refuge point.
  • Pedestrian crossing provision at the location was 'poor and dangerous' and was used by local families attending school and nursery.
  • That residents were supportive of safety improvement measures, particularly those living in the vicinity of the junction
  • That those who did not sign the petition considered the county council would 'not resolve the safety issues'
  • That residents felt that the current crossing provision was 'dangerous'
  • That the junction was part of a busy key route around Kendal and there were no proposals to reduce traffic in the area so specific intervention would be required and that improving the safety of the junctions was 'essential' to encourage active travel around Kendal.

Committee chair Councillor Nick Cotton said the junction was to be considered for a road safety assessment and said any measures identified would be considered by the new Westmorland and Furness Council, which launches in April 2023.

“Thank you for presenting the petition regarding safety of the junction at Queens Road, Windermere Road and Green Road in Kendal,” he said.

“Members have a high regard for road safety and take concerns raised seriously.

“This junction is to be considered for a road safety assessment.

“Such a three assessment would consist of a review of the location, regard for the collision history for appraisal of road safety and also consideration of any possible remedial measures.

“Any measures identified are likely to be considered for implementation in a future year which will be for decision under a new council authority.

“A report will be prepared for discussion and consideration of next steps at the Highways and Transportation Working Group, following completion of the safety assessment in the summer months.”