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New Broads Authority chief executive starts review of vessel tolls
Overview
Sarah Cowley, the new chief executive of the Broads Authority, has initiated a review into the annual tolls charged to boaters in the Broads National Park. The authority relies on the tolls to fund waterway maintenance, but concerns have been raised that the fees are too high and could deter visitors. Cowley plans to hold a public meeting and increase engagement with local communities to find a balance between providing value for money and covering rising maintenance costs.
Key points
- Sarah Cowley took over as chief executive of the Broads Authority in August.
- The authority charges an annual toll on vessels to fund waterway maintenance, with this year's fee increasing by 2.5%.
- A public meeting is planned to hear concerns from people who feel the tolls do not offer a good deal.
- The number of private boats using the Broads fell by 5.6% last year, leading to a deficit between toll revenue and estimated costs.
- Maintenance costs have risen due to factors such as the increasing price of diesel, while tolls remain the sole income source for navigation work.