NEW payment systems on the Windermere Ferry were rubber-stamped by councillors at a meeting of the Lakes Administration Committee.

Cumbria County Council officers presented to the councillors proposals which would see the controversial shore-side ticket machines scrapped and replaced with an on-board ticketing system.

It would feature two deck-mounted ticket machines taking cash, card or smartphone payments - one for pedestrians and one for drivers - as well as ferry operatives with hand-held card machines.

It was also explained that an app and website was under development where people could pre-purchase tickets.

project manager David Haughian said: "We are really keen to understand the views of users and other key stakeholders who are associated with the ferry and its location," said project manager David Haughian. "The new system will also allow us to monitor how the ferry is used and when people use it.

"We want to hear from people who use the new system so we can improve it. We know it is not perfect."

Under questioning Mr Haughian assured councillors that studies had suggested that most people would pay using card, and that pre-purchasing was popular, hence the development of the app.

He also said that season tickets would be available to buy online and not just single trip tickets.

Cllr Gill Gardner raised concerns about the signal on the lake for people who want to use their phones to make payments on-board.

Mr Haughian assured those present that the project team were working on improving the signal by boosting it from the shore.

Windermere town councillor Jennifer Borer also made some suggestions for improvement regarding the new system.

"The idea of taking away the machines on the shore seems like a retrograde step," she said. "There will be so many pedestrians and cyclists in the summer that two on-deck machines will not be enough. We should have both.

"Another thing to consider is that for some people who drive bigger cars, it could be hard to pay by cash. When bigger cars are stacked onto the ferry and it is busy, it can be hard to open doors to get out."

Mr Haughian thanked Cllr Borer for her suggestions and said they would be considered.

Councillors present agreed that the proposals be approved.