Town councillors are calling for a 20mph speed limit to be introduced on a busy Cockermouth road.

An investigation was carried out on Windmill Lane after concerns about dangerous driving were raised earlier in the year.

While data revealed that only about 5% of vehicles broke the 30mph speed limit, councillors feel the sheer volume of traffic recorded in a residential area illustrates the need for action.

"28,000 cars a week is a colossal amount, it shows how busy it is," said Councillor Eric Nicholson at a town council meeting.

"While there is not a massive speeding problem, with that volume of traffic it could ideally have a 20mph limit."

During one week in September, the town council's speed indication device (SID) recorded traffic volumes and speeds, the county council also installed three sets of speed strips.

Town and county councillor Rebecca Hanson organised this in a bid to gather evidence which she could then present to the county council.

During the seven-day period, 28,155 vehicles used the road. The average speed was 23mph, with 85% of vehicles travelling at less than 27mph.

Councillor Hanson said: "About 5% of vehicles break the speed limit but nearly 90% of these are only just over the limit so would not be prosecuted."

She said: "Cumbria County Council cannot introduce a 20mph speed limit because it is expected that such a restriction is already generally complied with before it is introduced and so does not place excessive reliance on enforcement.

"An 85 percentile of 27mph means a 20mph speed limit is not supported, as it would rely too heavily on enforcement to achieve."

Councillor Alan Smith said: "I'd like to see a 20mph limit. There are a lot of young families on that road and they need protected. People want this sorted out."

Mayor Alan Tyson said: "These figures show serious problems which need to be looked at seriously. 1,851 vehicles were exceeding the limit which is far too fast on Windmill Lane with all the parking and kids."