Speed limit considerations for Carlisle Southern Link Road

Members of Cumberland Council’s highways and transport strategic board are due to meet at Carlisle’s Civic Centre on Thursday to consider a report – Carlisle Southern Link Road Speed Limits Traffic Regulation Order Review and De-Restriction Order.

According to the council papers it is proposed to introduce new 30 mph and 40 mph speed limits on parts of a number of roads and reduce the existing 40 mph speed limits on parts of a number of other roads in the area.

It is recommended that members agree a number of speed limit orders and de-restriction orders during the meeting.

The report states: "Aligned with the construction of the Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR) Cumberland Council has brought forward proposals for speed limits on the new road and for adjoining roads.

"Officers commenced the review of the area in March 2025. Proposals were brought forward from various sources, including officer feedback, public requests, local members, and input from the CSLR team.

"An Informal consultation was conducted over a four-week period, commencing on June 9, 2025, to July 9, 2025. This consisted of a letter drop to affected frontages, social media advertising, stakeholder notification, and an online survey.

"This consultation covered 14 proposals over five sites. Officers received 28 email responses and 353 survey responses.

"After considering the feedback during the informal consultation stage and further dialogue with officers some minor amendments were made to the proposals. All proposal were brought forward to statutory consultation and advertisement."

According to the report the proposed changes will ensure 'continued effective and efficient traffic management within Carlisle urban and rural surrounding area'.

Relevant risks identified include that failure to introduce the proposals as recommended, may lead to increased safety issues, excessive speeds and increase likelihood of collisions where proposed speed limit are not implemented.