Windermere speed limit thumbs up

21 March 2007  

The Council for National Parks (1) has welcomed today’s decision by members of the Lake District National Park Authority to turn down a request (2) to look at a “managed solution” for Windermere.

Ruth Chambers, Acting Chief Executive of CNP, said “today’s decision by the members of the Lake District National Park Authority is welcome because it provides clarity for all users about the future use of Windermere.  A “managed solution” was looked at during the public inquiry and rejected as being too complex to manage.

“These latest proposals would have led to a fundamental conflict between water ski-ing and fast power boating and other lake users, such as canoeist or boaters.  We therefore support the Park Authority’s decision to stick by the 10mph speed limit on Windermere (3), which has resulted in a safer, more enjoyable and bigger lake for people who want to sail, row, canoe, swim, fish and paddle”.

Notes to editors

1.       CNP is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales, and those areas that merit National Park status, and to promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.

2.       The request from the Keep Windermere Alive Association was to consider introducing changes to the lake byelaws which would allow exemptions to the speed limit in certain areas of the lake at certain times of the week.

3.       A 10mph speed limit for the lake was decided through the democratic process of a public inquiry.  Everyone had a chance to put forward their views.  The government concluded the only way to address issues of people wanting to use the lake for very different things was a speed limit.  It also judged a management plan approach to the problem was not possible.  There was a five year lead in period to allow everyone to adjust.

Contact: Ruth Chambers on 020 7924 4077 ext. 222

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222