Boat users on Norfolk Broads facing hefty increase in tolls
The Broads Authority could hike fees to deal with rising costs
Last updated 13th Jan 2023
Thousands of boat users on Norfolk’s waterways look set to pay a hefty increase in tolls this year.
The Broads Authority (BA) is blaming high inflation, rising staff wages and stagnant government budgets for its plans to increase tolls by 13pc this year, a move which could add £100s to the charge for larger boats.
BA bosses have said the increase will safeguard services and protect the continued maintenance of the waterways, generating £4.26m over the next financial year.
On the smaller end, the increase will add £6 to the current £46 charge for a 5m2 private sailing craft and £211.68 to a large 48m2 weekly hired motor vessel.
Alongside increasing tolls, two currently free moorings – at Reedham and Ranworth – will see a £10 overnight fee introduced.
Each mooring is expected to bring an additional £40,000.
The authority is also looking at ways it can reduce its expenditure, with the authority looking to dramatically cut back on the amount of space it uses at Yare House office on Thorpe Road.
John Packman, the chief executive of the BA, told a meeting on Thursday, the building was one of the authority’s greatest expenses but the move will mean most staff will now have to work from home.
Mr Packman said local sailing clubs, boat owners and federations had contacted him urging a rethink in the increase in tolls but he insisted the move was necessary.
Heavy blame for the increase was also levelled at the government’s department for environment, food and rural affairs (DEFRA), which has not increased the authority’s funding despite the rising inflation.
“The real value of our National Park grant has continued to decline, and with inflation, that decline has accelerated,” he said.
“In 2009-10 we got something like £4.4m in grant funding from DEFRA if you inflate that should be worth £6.5m but in practice, we are getting £3.2m and that has been flat for a number of years.”
BA members approved the toll increase and additional mooring fees nine votes for, one abstention and one against.
Alan Thomson, a committee member, argued the increase of about 14p a day for the average boat owner.
“It’s cutting down on a pint of beer every six weeks, effectively,” he said.
“I don’t think this will affect anybody in terms of their boating whatsoever.”