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Blind skier, 74, defies Lakes law | Blind skier, 74, defies Lakes law |
(20 minutes later) | |
A disabled waterskiing champion plans to deliberately break a controversial Lake District speed limit. | A disabled waterskiing champion plans to deliberately break a controversial Lake District speed limit. |
Gerald Price, 74, from Stockport, will flout Windermere's 10mph restriction later and wants a legal review of a ban on power boating on the lake. | |
The British blind waterskiing speed record holder represents the Keep Windermere Alive Association (KWAA). | The British blind waterskiing speed record holder represents the Keep Windermere Alive Association (KWAA). |
The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) warned any breach of the speed limit would be irresponsible. | |
In March 2005, the authority outlawed high-speed craft in a move to restore the area's tranquillity. | In March 2005, the authority outlawed high-speed craft in a move to restore the area's tranquillity. |
If enforcement officers turn up and gather enough evidence the case will go to court Gerald Price | If enforcement officers turn up and gather enough evidence the case will go to court Gerald Price |
But campaigners, including some businesses, said it has affected the local economy, which was badly hit by the foot-and-mouth crisis of 2001. | |
Former Sports and Culture Minister Kate Hoey and former Environment Minister John Gummer, are among those who have backed campaigns against the restrictions. | Former Sports and Culture Minister Kate Hoey and former Environment Minister John Gummer, are among those who have backed campaigns against the restrictions. |
Earlier this year the KWAA proposed a managed solution but, after taking advice from lawyers, the LDNPA said it would not alter the limit. | Earlier this year the KWAA proposed a managed solution but, after taking advice from lawyers, the LDNPA said it would not alter the limit. |
Mr Price said Tuesday's action will be an attempt to test the scheme's validity. | |
The 10mph speed limit came into force in March 2005 | |
He said: "If enforcement officers turn up and gather enough evidence the case will go to court. | He said: "If enforcement officers turn up and gather enough evidence the case will go to court. |
"However, if they do not appear this will demonstrate that the bylaw is unenforceable, null and void. | "However, if they do not appear this will demonstrate that the bylaw is unenforceable, null and void. |
"I am blind and waterskiing is the best sport to become available to disabled people. We have been robbed of this enjoyment in the Lake District along with thousands of families." | "I am blind and waterskiing is the best sport to become available to disabled people. We have been robbed of this enjoyment in the Lake District along with thousands of families." |
According to the bylaw, the boat's driver, not the waterskier, will face legal action, but it is not known who will be assisting Mr Price in his bid. | According to the bylaw, the boat's driver, not the waterskier, will face legal action, but it is not known who will be assisting Mr Price in his bid. |
AN LDNPA spokesman said: "The authority regrets this intended and blatant disregard of a legitimate byelaw, which was introduced to create a safe and enjoyable lake for recreational users and other craft. | AN LDNPA spokesman said: "The authority regrets this intended and blatant disregard of a legitimate byelaw, which was introduced to create a safe and enjoyable lake for recreational users and other craft. |
"Any evidence may be presented to the police and the Crown Prosecution Service, for them to decide if any court action will follow." | "Any evidence may be presented to the police and the Crown Prosecution Service, for them to decide if any court action will follow." |
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