Resident’s concern after ‘smiley face’ speed sign not installed for years
A concern has been raised
Last updated 25th Aug 2026
A resident has raised concern after a ‘smiley face’ speed sign has taken years to be installed, despite a pole being in place.
Ken Concannon said he was told by councillors that the speeding measure would be installed outside his house on Hall Road in Burneside.
The 82-year-old said a pole was installed outside his house in 2019, which was reportedly to be used for the smiley face.
Now, seven years later, a sign has not been put there, despite his concerns that a child could get hurt.
The council said highways officers have had conversations with Burneside Parish Council about a potential smiley face and that it ‘would be supportive’ of the parish getting them, though stressed that it does not pay for them.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr Concannon said: “What is the point of putting poles up without the sign? Kids live in this village, I would hate for a kiddy to get run over, but then they would put a sign up.”
He said he was initially told about the sign in the days when Cumbria County Council was the highway authority, but added there was a further mention of it around two years ago by Westmorland and Furness councillors.
Speaking about the behaviour of drivers, Mr Concannon said: “They put their foot down here, then when they get to the corner they have to brake like hell.
“You see some sports cars going up, it’s like they’re going to take off!
“I see they have the signs in Kendal, it is amazing how many people brake when they see them, they do work.”
A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said: “Burneside Parish Council has spoken to highways officers about potentially installing Speed Indication Devices (SIDs) in the village and a location on Hall Road could be a potential site.
“We understand the parish council is currently awaiting new guidance for parish councils on such highways requests, hopefully coming out later this year, and that they are also wanting to align any SID request with a potential new 20mph zone for Burneside, which is currently in phase 3 and out for statutory consultation but has been supported by the local community through initial rounds of consultation.
“Subject to local support and approvals, Westmorland and Furness Council could take all of these considerations in the round in discussions with the parish council to progress any SID request early next year.
“The council would be supportive of the parish getting SID units. The council does not purchase the units, but our highways teams can support local communities to identify suitable locations and install the SIDs.’’