Broads Authority warns boaters could see toll fees rise

The Broads Authority has said it will have to hike tolls - the amount people have to pay to use the waterways - by 10pc in order to fill a £394,000 shortfall in its finances.

But the move has been branded as "ludicrous" by hire boat firms, who fear people are being priced out of the Broads.

A fleet of Broads Tours day hire boats in Wroxham (Image: Newsquest)

They say if things don't change, it will end up as a "playground for the elite".

The warning comes as an appeal against a decision to raise toll fees by 13pc last year is still under review by the government. 

A boat from the Hunters fleet sailing on the River Bure near St Benets Abbey on the Norfolk Broads. (Image: Newsquest)

'SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGE'

Each year the BA must review the amount it charges people to use the Broads.

In a statement issued this week by chief executive John Packman, it warned members face a "significant challenge" in determining the charges for 2025/2026.

John Packman, chief executive of the Broads Authority (Image: Tom Barrett)

The toll fees are used to fund its navigational duties that ensure the waterways can be safely used by boats.

It has blamed a decline in boat numbers and rising costs caused by inflation for the funding shortfall.

The BA raised £160,090 less than it expected this year from toll fees.

The lack of funds has caused projects to stall, such as £100,000 mooring repairs in Potter Heigham and Martham.

A BA spokeswoman added: "We are facing some difficult choices. This report has been circulated so that all stakeholders are aware of the facts, challenges, process and timescale for the decision."

READ MORE: Little-known silted-up waterway named as Broads Authority's top priority for dredging

A hire boat passes through Norwich along the River Wensum (Image: Newsquest) FIRMS UNDER PRESSURE

The threat of having to pay higher toll fees has caused anger among the boating community.

If tolls are raised by 10pc, it will mean there has been a 30pc increase in the last three years.

This comes at a time when companies are facing a fall in income due to poor weather, the cost-of-living crisis and competing with relatively cheap holidays abroad. 

Matthew Thwaites, chairman of the Broads Hire Boat Federation (BHBF), has called the situation "ludicrous" and he worries people are being priced out of the Broads.

READ MORE: Nearly 1,000 boaters caught speeding in Norfolk Broads hotspot

Matthew Thwaites, chairman of the Broads Hire Boat Federation (Image: Newsquest)

"This is making business really hard for boat firms, which have had a really bad year. It is crazy they are allowed to do this.

"Councils have a cap on council tax and have to find savings if there is a budget shortfall, the BA needs to be operating in a similar way.

"The BA is supposed to be working to make sure the Broads is open to all, not just the elite and rich.

"If they price out hire boats from the market then how will the common man get to enjoy the Broads?"

A hire cruiser passes a yacht in the Norfolk Broads (Image: Newsquest)

Following the toll hike in 2013, the BHBF has appealed to the Department for Transport against the increase, calling it "unlawful and unreasonable.

They are currently awaiting a decision from the new minister.

An aerial view of Wroxham Broad (Image: Mike Page)

FUNDING REFORM

The BA is currently lobbying the government to reform how it is funded.

Currently, it receives capital grants to support its national park duties but its navigation costs, such as dredging and clearing weeds, are paid for through money raised by toll fees.

It hopes it can persuade the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) that navigation is "not just for private benefit" and that the works carried out to maintain the waterways will help support the health of the national park itself - a public asset that contributes £775m to the area's economy.

“The Authority awaits a response from the government to their request for financial support for navigation which it views as a public, not a private benefit, deserving of central government funding,” A BA spokeswoman said. 

A decision on next year's toll fees will follow a consultation with navigation committee members, with the final figures to follow a meeting on November 29.