Boaters and hire firms on the Broads will get toll increases in line with inflation in 2014 to limit the financial pressure on them.
Next year’s toll increases set by The Broads Authority (BA) back a proposal by local boating groups and are 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%), with charges for the largest private motor boats rising 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, representing private boaters, and the Broads Hire Boat Federation, representing 26 hire companies, put forward a proposal to BA’s Navigation Committee in October. This was subsequently amended to reflect concerns over the impact on small boats.
2014 toll rises represent a 2.8% increase in charges overall and are in line with inflation and also with those of the Environment Agency and the Canal & River Trust.
BA 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”.
He went on to say – “In addition, BA 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”.
Thanks to Harry Arnold and Waterway Images for this report and image.
