Police Say Kendal’s Temporary 10mph Speed Limit Cannot Be Enforced
A temporary 10mph speed limit introduced on Aynam Road in Kendal cannot be legally enforced, Cumbria Police has confirmed.
The restriction has been in place for several months and expected to continue into September, while work continues on the River Kent flood defence scheme. However, police have explained that the 10mph limit is advisory rather than legally enforceable.
Drivers are still being urged to slow down because workers are operating close to moving traffic.
Why Is There a 10mph Limit on Aynam Road?
The temporary limit was introduced as part of the traffic management measures surrounding the River Kent flood scheme.
The project aims to provide Kendal with greater protection from severe flooding, including events similar to Storm Desmond in December 2015.
One lane of Aynam Road has been closed while work takes place, with traffic continuing to use the remaining lane. The temporary layout allows contractors to carry out work while keeping the busy route open.
The Environment Agency said the traffic management arrangements have also provided access for third-party contractors completing emergency repairs and upgrades.
Police Confirm Limit Is Advisory
Although signs tell drivers to travel at no more than 10mph, Cumbria Police said the limit cannot be enforced in the same way as a standard legal speed restriction.
A police spokesperson said the advisory limit is there to protect people working close to live traffic. The force has encouraged motorists to respect the signs and reduce their speed to help keep workers safe.
The 10mph restriction was agreed between the Environment Agency and Westmorland and Furness Council through a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order.
However, the Environment Agency said there was no agreement with the council to actively enforce the limit.
This means drivers may not face a speeding penalty simply for exceeding 10mph. They must still drive safely and respond to the temporary road layout, signs and people working nearby.
Resident Says Signs Are Regularly Ignored
A local resident, who asked not to be named, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that only a minority of motorists appeared to follow the temporary limit.
The resident said drivers could be seen ignoring the 10mph signs each day. Concerns have therefore been raised about the safety of workers operating alongside passing traffic.
The restrictions are expected to remain in place into 2027 as work on the flood scheme continues.
Why Is a Convoy System Not Being Used?
A convoy system can sometimes be introduced at roadworks to control vehicle speeds. Traffic is guided through the affected area behind a works vehicle travelling at a set pace.
The Environment Agency said this approach would not be suitable on Aynam Road. The road is a dual carriageway and only one lane has been closed, allowing traffic to continue using the other.
A convoy system was also not requested as part of the traffic management agreement.
The agency said it continues to review the arrangements to protect both members of the public and those working on the flood scheme.
Motorists using Aynam Road are being asked to follow the advisory restriction, remain alert and pass the roadworks at a safe speed.
