MONEY is being lost by tourist attractions due to the confusion over automatic ticket machines at a Lake District ferry crossing, it has been claimed.

The long-running row over ticket machines at the Windermere Ferry continues as south Lakes Conservative councillors allege it is costing businesses money.

At a recent meeting of Hawkshead Parish Council, National Trust representatives voiced concern that the ongoing issues were behind a significant reduction in visitors to its Hill Top property.

They say the reduction in ferry services from three to two an hour has hit the tourist attraction – Beatrix Potter’s 17th century farmhouse in the village of Near Sawrey – since the new ticket machines were introduced.

Matt Brereton, Conservative County Councillor for High Furness, said: “It beggars belief that the council is so determined to stick with the new ticketing machines in the face of all evidence that they are proving very unpopular with users and potentially damaging the economy of the area.

“If drivers do decide to take the long way round instead of hopping on the ferry, then of course that has a serious knock-on effect on our already busy local roads, and certainly isn't a sustainable solution.”

The council has hit back at the claims, saying the improvements to the service are ongoing.

A spokesman said: "Cumbria County Council confirmed in July following a meeting of full council a number of measures – both immediate and future proposals – to improve the ticketing system and user experience at Windermere Ferry.

"Nothing has changed since then. Handheld contactless devices can take card payments, without customers having to leave their cars. For those paying by cash we have improved the instructions, have staff on hand to help and there are two machines at each ferry head to ease queuing. We have also sourced new machines that are easier to use – these are currently being installed and tested and will be operational from October."


Read more about the ongoing dispute over the new ticket machines:

A u-turn comes from the council over continued pressure from local councillors

A review has been made in light of complaints over the Windermere Ferry ticketing system

Measures taken to control disruption caused by new ticketing scheme