A 12-week public consultation on Windermere’s byelaws begins later this month but the 10 mph speed limit – which has been in force since March 2005 – will not form part of the review.

The speed limit, which has been the subject of vociferous protest, was endorsed unanimously by the 22 Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) members last year.

According to a statement from the authority: ‘The LDNPA review, which closes on 16 May, is needed to tidy up the detailed and complex rules and regulations that govern exactly what is and what is not permitted by people and boats that use the 10.5 mile stretch of water.

‘It’s hoped the review of the registration and navigation byelaws will:

·Produce an updated version of the byelaws to include all the amendments made piecemeal over recent years
·Bring back some byelaws removed when the 10 mph speed limit was introduced in March 2005
·Make alterations and additions to the existing byelaws.’

From 22 February opinions and comments can be submitted by an online questionnaire available through the authority’s website at www.lake-district.gov.uk  and via a printed form from the LDNPA’s Head Office at Murley Moss in Kendal. All responses will remain anonymous and will be received and evaluated by an independent market research company.

Responses can be submitted up until 16 May and a full report on the result of the public consultation will be discussed by the LDNPA full Authority meeting on 23 July. The Department of Food and Rural Affairs will then be asked to approve any amendments.