New study goes ahead for Kendal traffic options

Today, Cumbria County Council's South Lakeland Local Committee approved additional study work to take place on the improvements for buses and cyclists and the pedestrianisation of Kendal Town Centre. This is another step towards achieving a safer environment for pedestrians and improve traffic flow through the town. 

County Councillor Ian Stewart, Chair of South lakes Local Committee says, 

"The new study aims to look at further options to achieve the pedestrianisation of the town centre as cost-effectively as possible, building on the success of phase one of the scheme and modifications made in response to community and key stakeholder consultation. The implementation of the Kendal Traffic Scheme outlined in the Local Transport Plan indicates that the scheme is to be accomplished in four distinct phases. The first phase, finalised in October 2002, involved the reversal of traffic flow on Lowther Street and the introduction of a two-way system on Sandes Avenue and Blackhall Road, completed in October last year. The remaining phases involve improvements to Highgate, pedestrianisation of Stricklandgate, re-introduction of two-way traffic on Aynam Road, building a new bridge next to Miller Bridge and other measures to encourage people towards walking and public transport rather than using a car. A recent report suggests that a new study is needed to look at alternative ways to achieve the long term aims of pedestrianisation and the shift away from car use rather than the remaining three phases already identified." 

Members also agreed to a traffic regulation order to introduce `no waiting at any time' parking restrictions around the junction of Milnthorpe Road and Glebe Road to improve drivers' visibility.