Local community group Evolve Penrith is demanding urgent intervention from National Highways following yet another day of traffic issues on Kemplay roundabout and Junction 40 of the M6.
The latest disruption, which unfolded on Saturday, appeared to stem from further issues with traffic light sequencing at Kemplay — sparking widespread frustration among drivers and residents. Despite previous adjustments to signal timings, congestion remains a persistent problem, with severe tailbacks regularly affecting the A66, A6, and M6, as well as surrounding local roads in Penrith.
“These junctions are getting overwhelmed on a near-daily basis with growing frequency,” said a spokesperson for Evolve Penrith. “We’ve reached a tipping point where residents and local businesses are paying the price for inaction through time lost in traffic, economic impacts and the inevitable environmental impacts from thousands of vehicles queuing with engines running trying to compete their journey.”
While the group acknowledges that both National Highways and the people of Penrith are still awaiting the Government’s final decision on the long-term A66 Northern Trans-Pennine upgrade — which includes a proposed underpass at Kemplay — they argue that immediate, interim solutions are now essential.
Evolve Penrith has proposed a series of short-term measures to ease the growing pressure:
Yellow box junctions at key points to prevent vehicles from blocking the roundabouts.
Enforcement cameras to tackle the increasing number of drivers ignoring red lights.
The development of a smart traffic signal system linking Kemplay and Junction 40, allowing real-time adjustments based on live traffic conditions.
“If, as we understand, National Highways is unwilling to make the signals part-time during peak hours, then other practical steps must be taken without delay,” the spokesperson said.
While acknowledging that a smart signal system would require longer-term investment, the group insists that low-cost interventions like yellow box markings and improved enforcement could bring immediate relief.
“Smart signals across both junctions could significantly improve traffic flow,” they added, “but we also need quick wins — measures that can stop the daily chaos now.”
Photos of Kemplay Roundabout by Alan Lowe
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