Call for speed limit reductions across A689 corridor and villages
Councillor Dobson seeks to rectify long-standing oversight
Councillor Roger Dobson is advocating for speed limit reductions along the A689 corridor and in numerous villages and hamlets that were overlooked in past road safety updates.
Dobson, representing Corby and Hayton ward on Cumberland Council as a Liberal Democrat, is highlighting a historical oversight dating back over 90 years.
In 1935, the introduction of the national 30mph limit did not apply to several rural communities, leaving them without modern road safety measures.
This has affected areas like Coalfell, Farlam, Faugh, Fenton, Follysyke, Kirkhouse, Midgeholme, Roachburn, and Tindale.
Dobson stated:
“These communities were forgotten in 1935 — and they have been forgotten ever since. It is indefensible that residents living in hamlets with homes, farms, bus stops and vulnerable road users are still exposed to national-speed-limit traffic."
He is proposing a 50mph limit along the A689 from Midgeholme to the A69.
Additionally, he suggests applying 30mph limits in the hamlets, adhering to modern Department for Transport guidance.
The councillor emphasized:
“This is not about slowing people down for the sake of it. It is about applying national policy fairly, protecting rural residents, and correcting a historic oversight."
Seven miles of the A689 between Lambley and the A69 junction have experienced accidents, including casualties among pedestrians and cyclists.
With a current speed limit review underway, Dobson views it as a chance to address the issue.
A formal request is being submitted to Cumberland Council’s Highways team, supported by collision data, DfT Circular 01/2013 criteria, and community representations from the A689 corridor.