A NEW permit system for 4x4s, motorbikes and horse riders has been introduced to help protect a popular Lake District pass.

Under a new management plan for Garburn Pass which stretches from Troutbeck to Kentmere vehicle users and horse riders will have to apply for a monthly permit to use the route.

The new measures, approved by the Lake District National Park Authority's implementation committee, will also see the high-level route closed off for six months between summer and autumn this year - while drainage and repair work is carried out and allowed to bed-in at Kentmere.

In a report to the committee, trails adviser for the Lake District National Park Authority David Robinson stated the contentious route had attracted 52 complaints about 4x4s and motorcycle use over the past five years.

He pointed out the measures to protect the pass had been developed from a consultation meeting with the public and interested parties held in November last year.

But Nick Fieldhouse, the man behind off-road driving excursion group Kankku, disagreed. He said the new permit system was a "foregone conclusion" and just another example of the LDNPA flexing its muscle.

"It is illogical to close the route in summer when both commercial operators and the public want to use it most. Also, to close the route for six months is just not justified."

Branding the permit system a "whim", he added: "Although the new measures don't make much difference to my business I find them worrying it is just one more measure of control which will lead to even more measures from the authority."

But Mr Robinson said the new system, which will allow 4x4s to only travel one way across the 5.8km pass, was in the interests of everyone.

"The proposals are not intended to prohibit all vehicles, they aim to manage them," he said. "This is just one part of a bigger management package. We want to carry out some essential repair work to drainage and the surface of the route for everyone's benefit. We also want to work with local police to encourage vehicle users to stick to legal routes in the area."

As part of the management plan the authority will work with police to prohibit illegal use of the pass and with Cumbria County Council to make Applethwaite Quarry a popular haunt for off-road motorcyclists - more secure from illegal cycle use.