ON holiday in the Lake District recently, I provoked a slight altercation at a petrol filling station. Unforgivable really. And yet... well, I think I'd do the same again.

I filled up at a garage on the shores of Windermere. Facing me at the cash desk was a large petition headed SAY NO TO 10MPH ON WINDERMERE. I paid for my petrol - a full tank incidentally - and as I slipped my cheque card back into its case I remarked: "Incidentally, I would say 'Yes'.''

"What do you mean?" asked the middle-aged male cashier, whom I took to be the owner. "Yes to a speed limit on Windermere,'' I said. "In that case,'' growled the garage man, "you'd have to find somewhere bloody else to buy your petrol.'' "Just a point of view,'' I replied, and departed with a cheery wave.

Since the garage bloke hadn't invited me to sign the petition I was out of order. But Windermere town and Bowness were plastered with banners and placards demanding No To 10mph, against which a large protest rally (since held) was imminent. Agreement on the issue seemed to be taken for granted. I felt a need to say: "Hang on a minute. I'm a visitor and I think the speed limit might be a good idea.''

Sought for years by the Lake District National Park authority, the 10mph limit was finally approved by Chris Mullin, MP for Sunderland South, when he was a junior environment minister in 2000. Reached after a bitter public inquiry and a High Court appeal, Mr Mullin's decision is a rare example of New Labour acting in the spirit of Old Labour.

Remember it was Old Labour who, in the midst of reconstructing Britain after the Second World War, and with its chief priority the creation of the NHS and welfare state, took time also to establish the national parks, with the aim of conserving these superb landscapes as places where people could enjoy largely quiet recreation.

But the speed boaters and jet skiers who have increasingly taken over Windermere have shattered the peace of England's largest natural lake. They have made its shores and surrounding fells virtually no-go areas for lovers of the true Lakeland. And yet there is much beauty there, of appeal to visitors not wanting to pit themselves against the highest or most rugged mountains. And even one who did, Alfred Wainwright, found his inspiration in the view across Windermere from Orrest Head.

With careful re-marketing the departure of the speedsters, outlawed from 2005, will not create the ghost town feared by my filling station proprietor. In their place will come visitors who enjoy less disruptive relaxation - walkers, bird-watchers, more canoeists and yachters. As Ian Brodie, secretary of the Friends of the Lake District, has noted: "People will now be able to appreciate the full beauty of this corner of the national park.''

Long after most of the headline issues of today are forgotten, countless millions of visitors to England's premier national park will have cause to be grateful to Chris Mullin and his historic, civilised Windermere ruling. That is if the Government is prepared to stick to its guns. And say "Yes" for a final time to a 10mph limit on Windermere.