The petition of residents of Wetheral and the wider Carlisle constituency,
Declares that traffic calming measures, including the establishment of a 20mph zone, should be introduced to the village of Wetheral.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to work with the relevant local authorities to introduce traffic calming measures in Wetheral, specifically the implementation of a 20mph speed limit through the village to improve road safety.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Ms Julie Minns, Official Report, 16 June 2026; Vol. 787, c. 803 .]
[P003207]
Observations from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood): The Government recognise the concerns raised by residents of Wetheral and the wider Carlisle constituency about road safety in the village.
The safety of all road users, particularly pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, is a priority for the Department. The Government support the use of 20 mph limits and traffic-calming measures where they have local support, are appropriate for local conditions and likely to be effective. Such measures can be particularly suitable in places where people and traffic mix, including residential streets, village centres and areas with significant pedestrian movement.
In England, responsibility for setting local speed limits and introducing traffic-calming measures rests with local traffic authorities. For roads in Wetheral, that authority is Cumberland council, except for any roads managed by National Highways. Local authorities have powers to introduce 20 mph limits, traffic calming, pedestrian improvements and other local road safety measures where they consider them appropriate, working with the police on enforcement considerations.
The Department for Transport provides guidance to support these decisions, including on the setting of local speed limits, which advises that speed limits should be evidence-led, self-explaining and encourage compliance. Local authorities are best placed to assess the specific circumstances on their roads, including collision history, traffic speeds, road layout, pedestrian provision and community concerns.
As outlined in the road safety strategy, the Government have begun reviewing and updating its guidance, including on setting local speed limits, to further support local authorities in making well-informed decisions.
While the Government cannot direct a local authority to introduce a specific speed limit or traffic-calming scheme, I would encourage the petitioners to continue engaging with Cumberland council so that the concerns raised can be considered as part of its local road safety responsibilities.
I am grateful to the petitioners for highlighting these important road safety concerns in Wetheral.