NEW FEES FOR OCCASIONAL WINDERMERE USERS
NEW FEES FOR OCCASIONAL WINDERMERE USERS
Posted: February 23, 2012
People who take their power boats onto Windermere just for occasional special events are set to benefit from a new “short-term” registration fee.
The charge, which is aimed specifically for enthusiasts at rallies and traditional steamboat gatherings has been agreed by the Lake District National Park.
It means the cost for lake users who don’t use Windermere that often will see the cost cut substantially.
“A new short term event registration scheme has merit in terms of meeting users’ needs and encourages appropriate activity that has positive community, economic and visitor experience benefits,” a report from park management ranger Sara Spicer explained.
Legally all power driven vessels have to pay a registration fee – currently £20 a year for a new registration and £15 for a renewal. This means that anyone bringing their boat only for a two-day event still has to pay the full annual fee.
The Windermere Lake User Forum had asked the LDNPA if it would consider introducing a short-term event registration scheme, and today members agreed -setting the level at £25 for the actual event plus an individual charge for each vessel taking part equal to 10 per cent of an individual annual registration fee.
Currently around 4,500 powered craft are registered on Windermere and there are about 10 special events or rallies on the lake each year, attracting up to 150 craft.
“Effective byelaws help to reinforce the environmental qualities of the lake and secure a clear management regime,” Sara added.
