PROPOSED changes to speed limits in Allerdale have been met with mixed responses by councillors.

Consultation on the plans concludes on November 22, with two of the three drop-in events still to come.

The proposed changes include:

n Allonby - Extension of the national speed limit on the B5300 north of Adrian House, to replace the existing 30mph limit;

n Blencogo - To extend the existing 30mph speed limit on the stretch of road beyond the new housing development/past R Miller Bodywork:

n Oulton - The extension of the national speed limit to replace the current 30mph limit, between the crossroads before The Bird In Hand Inn and the entrance to the village from the Kirkbride side;

n Wigton - An introduction of a stretch of 30mph speed limit past Scholars Green and up to Edenholme, then a 40mph limit past Wigton Rugby Club and up to before the corner.

Blencogo parish councillor, David Jeffries, 52, said: “We think it is good that the limits are being introduced generally, because the limits do need to be extended.

“My concern is that for them to be of purpose they have to be policed and generally they aren’t. We do get a lot of speeding down to Wigton, it is one of those things.”

Education may be the solution to the problem, he continued.

“There are driver courses, but they are only for people who get caught. So perhaps there should be a less formal education for drivers who get a warning from police.”

The chairman of Kirkbride parish council, Alan Hedworth, said: “I think it is a good idea to keep [the Oulton speed limit] as it is.

“Since the limit was introduced there have been no accidents - that is what I am basing it on. Before the limit there seemed to be a number of accidents in the space of a few years.”

Talking about the Kirkbride proposals, Alan added: “It does seem a long stretch where it isn’t a built up area, so I am in favour of them.”

Drop-in events will be held at Cockermouth Town Hall on November 12, between 3pm and 6.30pm, and at Maryport Library on November 13, between 3pm and 6.30pm.

Councillor Keith Little, cabinet member for highways, said: “Road safety is one of the top priorities for the county council and I am pleased that we are holding a consultation to understand the views of local people.

“Reviewing speed limits and analysing traffic data is an important aspect of the work of our highways teams, and the ultimate goal is to enhance road safety and reduce accidents on our roads.

“I’d urge everyone to go along to one of the meetings, or to respond online, so that we have as much information as possible when making final decisions on proposals to change speed limits.”