Hundreds of youngsters may benefit from cheaper tolls
Hundreds of young sailors could benefit from cheaper tolls for their boats in a new Broads Authority package aimed at encouraging more children to take up boating.
This year’s tolls review could see up to 3,500 boats, one-third of the total number of private boats, benefiting from a reduction in their toll. In a report to the Authority’s Navigation Committee three options are being considered and the annual charge for a 12 ft (5 m2) sailing dinghy could be reduced by up to £23 per year.
There are 46 sailing clubs in The Broads and over 1,200 sailing boats registered with the Authority. They vary in size from small single handers popular with children, such as Toppers and Optimists, up to grand wherries and racing yachts. Over three-quarters of these could see their toll reduced for the new season if the suggestions are implemented.
Jackie Howard, Secretary of Buckenham Sailing Club said: “We are delighted that the Broads Authority has listened to our concerns about the costs for small sailing craft. We were worried that the relatively high costs for a small sailing dinghy would put young people off learning to sail. We believe that the charges for dinghies are currently out of proportion when compared to the larger motor boats and the rebalancing suggested is very welcome.”
Motor craft account for the largest number of boats on The Broads - everything from a small boat used for fishing, to large, sea-going luxury cruisers. The charge for a small motor boat, typically used by many anglers, could see a reduction of up to £18, but tolls for larger craft would have to rise.
David Batten, of the Broads Angling Strategy Group said: “It’s very pleasing in a time of ever increasing costs to see the Broads Authority listening to the voice of its stakeholders and taking steps to try and keep costs in balance.
“Anglers will undoubtedly benefit as small boat users from this and I would, on their behalf, welcome this proposal and fully support the Authority in their effort to make the cost of owning and using small boats on The Broads more affordable for all.”
Stephen Johnson, the Broads Authority’s new chair, said: “Sailing is a healthy, exhilarating and competitive sport and has little impact on the environment. We want to give every encouragement to young people, in particular, to experience the fun and adventure of sailing on The Broads, to get out into the fresh air amongst the wildlife and to appreciate just how special and precious this area is.”
Mindful of the present economic climate the Authority is looking to keep charges down to a level able to generate the minimum income necessary to maintain services at their present level.
It will mean that larger boats will have to pay more. But when compared to areas such as the Thames the charges for these craft are low and the contribution they make to the upkeep of the navigation is modest. In 2008 a 38 m2 motor boat paid £293.14 on The Broads. Keeping the same boat on the Thames cost £534.66.
Dr Johnson went on to say: "If these proposals are accepted they will represent a significant shift, reducing the costs for smaller sailing craft. But even with the increases for the larger motor boats we think overall the charges are very reasonable. We would like to see the number of boats on The Broads increase and hope that the package that is finally agreed will encourage more people of all ages to take to the water.”
The options for next year’s charges will be considered by the Navigation Committee on 23 October; and its views will be passed to the Broads Authority at its meeting on 21 November, when it will take the decision.
Options for Toll Charges in 2009/10
| 2008 Toll | Option 1 2009 Toll | Option 2 2009 Toll | Option 3 2009 Toll | |
| Canoe | £24.40 | £26.60 | £26.60 | £26.60 |
| 5 m2 Sail | £57.10 | £43.45 | £40.00 | £34.10 |
| 11 m2 Sail | £60.30 | £65.65 | £64.00 | £61.10 |
| 18 m2 Aux Yacht | £123.16 | £137.33 | £138.00 | £138.90 |
| 25 m2 Aux Yacht | £156.41 | £176.18 | £180.00 | £186.15 |
| 5 m2 Motor | £86.25 | £86.90 | £80.00 | £68.20 |
| 11 m2 Motor | £120.61 | £131.30 | £128.00 | £122.20 |
| 25 m2 Motor | £210.07 | £234.90 | £240.00 | £248.20 |
| 38 m2 Motor | £293.14 | £331.10 | £344.00 | £365.20 |
| 48 m2 Motor | £357.40 | £405.10 | £424.00 | £455.20 |
These are only selected examples. A complete schedule of tolls will be prepared once the Authority has chosen its preferred option.
The Broads Authority is projecting an income of £2.34 million from tolls for 2009/10, £1.448 million from private craft, £850,000 from the hire fleet and £40,600 from short visit tolls. The majority of the income funds the maintenance of the navigation, with approximately 36% spent on dredging, 21% on patrolling and 14% on practical maintenance. In addition £200,000 of National Park Grant is planned to be used in 2009/10 to improve the ecology of The Broads by dredging. This will also have a benefit in deepening these areas for those who sail on them.
21/10/2008
