Lives are being put at risk by drivers speeding through residential streets in Carlisle, an anxious councillor has warned.

Councillor Elizabeth Mallinson, who represents Stanwix and Houghton on Carlisle City Council and Stanwix Urban on Cumbria County Council, said residents in Brampton Road and Brunstock Lane had been left “demented” by people not sticking to the speed limits.

Rickerby Park was also highlighted as somewhere to be concerned about due to cattle being present there.

Mrs Mallinson admitted there had not been many reported collisions yet but fears it is only a matter of time if people do not slow down.

And she has urged motorists to think about the fact that one of their own relatives could be among those hurt eventually.

“It could be your mother, sister, granddaughter, any of your relatives,” she said.

“I just want to reassure people that we are aware of it and to warn people of the risks that they are taking with residents.

“Do they realise that when you’re speeding you’re putting lives at risk?”

Mrs Mallinson said a police exercise last year had involved drivers caught speeding in the area being asked to meet with residents to hear their concerns and pleas for them to stick to the speed limits.

She believes that was successful and, while it had to be put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, the concerned councillor hopes it can be carried out again soon to crack down.

“It is 30mph from Hardwicke Circus right the way up to the motorway bridge, when it goes to 40mph, then it goes to 50mph,” she added.

“Along Brampton Road people will speed because it’s a wide road and we have a lot of residents complaining about it.

“I have been overtaken on Brampton Road when I’ve been doing 30mph and people have passed me who I reckon were doing 60mph or even 70mph.

“We have got an issue with speeding and in the past we have had a very good working relationship with the police.”

Mrs Mallinson has previously used some of her council funding to put signs up reminding people to mind their speed but said “nobody takes a blind bit of notice”.

“I want to get the message out there that just because traffic is light with people working at home, does not mean it is safe to speed,” she said.

“I just want to protect everybody.”