NEW ticketing 'improvements' have been introduced on the Windermere Ferry following complaints from passengers about the unpopular self service machines.

The leader of Cumbria County Council, Cllr Stewart Young, announced at a meeting of the Cabinet this morning that card payments can now be taken using contactless devices without the need for customers to leave their cars.

He said that for those paying by cash the instructions have been improved and staff will be on hand to help. There will also, shortly, be two machines at each ferry head to ease queuing. 

"We have also sourced new machines that are easier to use, which will be installed from September," he said, adding: "The review is ongoing and I will share further updates as and when we have them, but for now I’d like to thank those involved for the work done so far and the improvements already made in time for the busy summer period.”

Cllr Janet Willis, Cabinet Member for Customer Engagement, said: "We are pleased to have been able to make these changes in response to customer feedback.  

"We hope they will improve the experience for ferry users. We will continue to listen to what residents and visitors say about all of our services and we will continue to make improvements."