Cumbria County Council has decided that anyone using Windermere ferry has first to purchase a ticket from the ticket machine on shore.

The result:

1. Queues of people waiting to purchase tickets at the ticket machine

2. A ferry standing waiting with space to receive cars but the drivers unable to drive on as they have not yet been able to purchase their tickets

3. A resulting delay in the ferry sailing, meaning that there are less ferry journeys across the lake

4 For drivers waiting in the queue of traffic which has arisen, a possible change of plans, a drive around the the lake - result additional traffic congestion.

Perhaps it was not such a good idea.

Peter Jewitt

Near Sawrey