Broads Authority hikes tolls for sixth consecutive year

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 18:18 · Archive

The Broads Authority is proposing a 3.5 per cent increase in toll fees for 2027/28, the sixth consecutive annual rise.

The Broads Authority is proposing a 3.5 per cent increase in toll fees on the Norfolk Broads for 2027/28. This would be the sixth consecutive annual rise, prompting concerns from boaters and committee members about whether they are receiving value for money.

Under the proposals, the biggest motor cruisers would pay £2,265.12, an increase of £76.80, whilst small sailing dinghies would see their fees rise by £2.15 to £64. The charges fund maintenance of the rivers managed by the authority and help keep the waterways safe.

Mark Collins, a member of the authority's navigation committee, expressed concern that boat owners are paying for 'a declining resource'. He said: 'I do not think it is unduly expensive, but I think it is about the resources people are getting is in decline.' Daniel Thwaites, another committee member, added: 'We are appearing to be paying more for getting less. If you are increasing by 3.5 per cent you do really need to demonstrate value for money.'

However, some committee members defended the rise. Stephen Bolt said: 'If you keep those things the same [toll fees], the offer you get from the Broads Authority will go downhill and we will end up with a nice wetland that nobody can access. There has got to be a compromise. We have got to have enough money to deliver the bare minimum.' The proposed rise was supported by the committee, coming amid a backdrop of declining numbers of boaters using the waterways.

How it is being reported

• Concerns raised about latest Broads toll increaseThe Broads Authority proposes a 3.5% increase in toll fees for a sixth consecutive annual rise.BBC Norfolk · 6 Nov, 17:57
• Broads Authority facing criticism after hiking tolls for SIXTH year in a rowPlans to increase toll fees on the Norfolk Broads have prompted concern whether boaters are getting value for money from the Broads Authority.Norwich Evening News · 6 Nov, 06:00
• Broads Authority facing criticism after hiking tolls for SIXTH year in a rowPlans to increase toll fees on the Norfolk Broads have prompted concern whether boaters are getting value for money from the Broads Authority.Eastern Daily Press · 6 Nov, 06:00

In this story: Broads Authority · Norfolk Broads · Mark Collins · Daniel Thwaites · Stephen Bolt · River Bure

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log