The registration fee applies to small boat users

The warden scheme is partly funded by small boat users registering with the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) for an average of �48 per year.

But legal experts have advised that vessels registered under a Maritime and Coastguard Agency scheme are exempt.

That scheme costs �25 for five years, and many boat users may now opt for the cheaper option.

The LDNPA's registration scheme helps finance the warden scheme which enforces laws and assisting boat users in distress.

Cash reserves

The authority said it may review the current bylaw to ensure the registration scheme is clear, customer friendly and efficient.

Bob Cartwright, the authority's park services director, said: "We will consider, in the next few weeks, the scope of the review, a process to involve interested parties and establish a timetable to implement any changes.

"If it appears appropriate to defer the issue of registration requests in December and extend the current registration period, we will consider doing so. We want to avoid any confusion for lake users."

As part of the review the LDNPA will assess the financial impact any change in registrations might have on the authority's budgets and cash reserves.