There will be no exemptions from the speed limit for boats on Windermere when the new bylaw comes into force in four years time. The organisers of motor boat races, speed trials and water-skiing events were told today that the 10mph speed limit would apply to all lake users as such events are incompatible with other users low key use of the Lake. Records Week is held in October and involves a four-kilometre course with a wide exclusion zone to allow boats to turn and to ensure public safety.
Competitors are exempt from current noise and emission control byelaws.
After the public enquiry into the 10 mph speed limit the government inspector who found in favour of the speed limit recommended that an exemption could be made for Records Week, subject to careful constraints. The needs of conservation, preservation of the peace of the countryside and respecting the wishes of people who use the lake and the land around it led to the conclusion that no exemption should be granted. We have looked at all sides of the issue and consulted with everyone who has an interest in the area and find that we cannot justify an exemption for Records Week. The National Park Authority also rejected exemption applications from the Classic Motor Boat Rally and the Windermere Motor Boat Club. The inspector at the public enquiry stated that there was no convincing case for a special exemption for the events which, like Records Week, cause noise disturbance and exclude the public from large parts of the lake on a regular basis.