27 people fined for failing to pay tolls on the Norfolk Broads

More than two dozen people have been fined after boats were found moored in areas like Wroxham, Stalham and Trowse

Author: George Thompson, Local Democracy Reporting ServicePublished 17th Apr 2023

More than two dozen people have been taken to court for failing or refusing to pay tolls on the Broads, documents reveal.

In total, 27 people have been prosecuted for non-payment after their boats were found moored in areas like Wroxham, Stalham and Trowse, since January 12.

Fines, costs awarded, victim surcharge and compensation, have cost the 27 non-payers £17,77.79 in total, documents presented to the Authority’s navigation committee show.

The boats were moored on waters within the navigation area without paying the appropriate toll, a breach of the Broads Authority vessel registration bye-laws.

It comes after boat owners earlier this year accused the Broads Authority of seeking to prop up its finances by controversially increasing annual tolls.

The non-payers have not been named by the authority, but documents presented to the members show there were 16 motor boats fined, three houseboats, six yachts and two sailing boats

Its 13pc rise in charges, which are based on hull size, will add just £6 to the charge for a sailing craft but an additional £211 for a large motor vessel, which could particularly impact those living on a boat.

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