The Broads Authority has backed a proposal by local boating groups in
deciding its toll structure for boats using the Broads next year.
The move is intended to support the hire boat industry after reports
of businesses struggling in the harsh economic climate. The largest hire
boats will only see their toll go up by £8.77 (0.6%).
It will see charges for the largest private motor boats rise by 1.2%
(£10.08) and the smallest vessels by 3% (£2.70) with the highest rise
for a private motor boat, those measuring 14m2, set at 5.1% (£8.64).
The Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association, which represents
private boaters, and the Broads Hire Boat Federation, which represents
26 hire yards, put forward a proposal to the Authority’s Navigation
Committee in October. The proposal was subsequently amended to reflect
concerns over the impact on small boats.
The figures (which represent a 2.8% increase in charges overall) are
in line with inflation and with the Environment Agency and the Canals
and Rivers Trust who are raising their charges by 4.8% and 2.8%
respectively.
The money raised from tolls is spent maintaining the waterways
including upkeep and improvements to the network of free 24 hour
moorings, dredging to increase water depth, patrolling, replacing old
equipment, tree clearance and improving safety on Breydon Water.
Broads Authority chairman Stephen Johnson, said: “This year we have
continued to make only the minimum possible increase that will enable us
to continue necessary levels of maintenance in recognition that the
tough economic climate continues to affect all boaters. In addition,
members listened to the local boating associations and to concerns that
the hire boat industry should be supported. We will be carrying out an
in depth survey of all Broads boat users in the New Year which we will
use to inform our toll setting for next year.”
