Lisa is always the Devils Advocate and will often argue the other side of things. We discussed this last night with friends and it opened up an even bigger debate lol 😂
Just have to remember the broads are a stunning place to be. Though it is always annoying when prices go up the broads is a place I'd say its worth it.
Hi also wanted to say that I've loved watching you guys on you boating trips. Your waffling has kept me entertained for hours . I'm now super jealous of you having your own boat🫡 Good luck to you both and I can't wait to tune in to your new boating adventures. 👍
@@grahamscott-sg4qc It's been a dream to have our own boat for a few years but family life and money got in the way. Having said that we have not become millionaires overnight but life is to short. I am glad you enjoy the waffle, we can provide plenty of that.
Not only has there been a 13% increase which was on top of inflation busting increases for the last four years but they have also decreased the amount of 24hr free mooring spaces . The Broads Authority are now charging a £10 overnight fee for boats at Ranworth staithe which was previously a free 24hr mooring maintained by our tolls and are intending to introduce the same at Reedham (but have hit legalities there so currently unable to) The BA is a quango is unelected and have lost the support and respect of every boat owner I have spoken to, their unelected head Mr Packman has wasted tens of thousands of tolls payers monies on unrealistic pipedreams such as the Acle visitors center debacle and has consistently ignored the wishes and aims of the hire boat industry and private boaters alike, we do not mind paying a fair fee to be able to use and maintain these beautiful waterways but resent the way this man behaves like a dictator to achieve his own aims. Either the current leadership leaves soon or I can see many many toll payers revolting. We have cruised the Broads for the last 30+ years , 25 years as hirers and the last 5 as boat owners but are now seriously considering leaving the area .
Thank you for sharing your views regarding the recent changes in mooring fees and the performance of the Broads Authority. It is understandable that you and other boat owners such as myself are frustrated with the 13% increase in fees on top of previous inflation-busting increases, as well as the reduction in free 24-hour mooring spaces at Ranworth staithe. The introduction of a £10 overnight fee at Ranworth staithe and the potential introduction of a similar fee at Reedham has also added to your concerns. It is unfortunate that the Broads Authority's unelected head, Mr Packman, has not been able to gain the support and respect of many boat owners due to his perceived lack of consideration for their wishes and the hire boat industry. While it is important for the Broads Authority to generate revenue to maintain the waterways, it is equally important to do so in a fair and transparent manner. It is understandable that you and other boat owners feel that Mr Packman is behaving like a dictator to achieve his goals, especially given the perceived waste of tolls payers' funds on unrealistic projects such as the Acle visitors center. It is hoped that the Broads Authority will listen to the concerns of boat owners and work towards a fair and transparent fee structure that takes into account the wishes and needs of all stakeholders. Thank you for sharing your concerns, and I hope that the situation improves for you and all us boat owners. Like you I am seriously looking to move my boat if the fees don't decrease
It's really simple, the BA need to modernise their tolls collection system and introduce monthly payments....so there is no specific start or end date to your toll, you just pay monthly keeping the boat tolled on a month to month basis...If we got another pandemic and rivers were closed, they could just simply freeze the payment collections (direct debits) until such time the river are open again. Many businesses did this during the pandemic, gym memberships were frozen etc.... This would also help when buying or selling your boat.....If you buy a boat towards the end of the season, you still have to pay a full years license, same issue if you sell your boat Mid Season, you have lost all of the remaining license money. The problem is the BA are out of date, out of touch and on the whole very poorly managed when it comes to boating. They have become too focused on 'National Park' issues and neglected many navigation issues.
@@marklawrence855 Wow, that’s not good. I’m taking it that the problem is so many people purchased boats during lockdown at exorbitant prices that they can’t get the same money for.
You are probably not aware, but the BA maintained the waterways throughout the pandemic and they were able to be reopened immediately after lockdown restrictions were lifted. Other waterways remained closed to navigation following lockdowns to enable them to be brought up to standard before they were reopened. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no great fan of the organisation, but there are occasional benefits. As for the toll increase, buying and running a boat is never going to be cheap. Anyone who thinks it is, is delusional. The toll has been raised in line with inflation. The biggest gripe with this is the question of the proportion of their navigation income being spent on the Notional Park status of the area, instead of looking after navigational needs.
Thank you for taking the time to give a detailed response. I was unaware that the authority had kept up maintenance throughout the pandemic and thanks to this it reopened quickly. We have noticed that the national Park theme seems to be a massive issue as it will likely bring many restrictions. I’m with the mindset that fees paid should be spent to benefit those who pay them and allow for the enjoyment of others.
@@WaggiesCruising . That is the concern amongst toll payers. The Broads is not a National Park in the full sense of the term. There are far too many businesses reliant on The Broads as a tourist destination for boating to become a secondary activity. Much like the drive to change our driving habits to using electric cars, the BA is trying to convince us that we should be looking at electrification as an alternative. However, there is no way that a charging network could ever be installed to be effective due to the remote location of many moorings and the cost of supporting sufficient charging points. Maybe in time, hybrid technology will help, but at the moment the costs are prohibitive. As far as tolls are concerned, should the BA have a free hand in being responsible for apportioning the monies they collect from toll payers between Notional Park and navigation? I believe that is the issue that has been raised this year following the 13% toll increase, part of which was to support the shortfall in funding from DEFRA. As a boat owner, I’m very aware of the increasing costs. The toll on our boat (29ft sedan cruiser)has increased from £391 for the year 2020/21 to £476 for 2023\24. A dramatic increase over a short period of time, but I consider myself fortunate to own a boat and grudgingly accept the costs that accompany that luxury.
Malcolm, you raise some good points but there are some obvious differences in the Navigational areas - I can confirm that other navigational areas maintained essential maintenance as they have significantly more liveaboard cruisers than the Broads Navigational Areas, whilst the non-tidal Thames remained fully serviced and manned - in addition, the CRT reduced its toll during that period as did a few marinas - there was a significant legal challenge on the South Coast for example which resulted in a significant number of large refunds! To cite raising tolls 'in line with inflation' and aligning it to boat ownership is not entirely fair either in that, although the BA do have a number of fixed costs, they certainly aren't passing on that increased collection to those whose wages, for instance, are taken directly from the toll pot and awarding them a lovely pay rise to match! But you make an entirely excellent point in that BA do not disclose openly the percentage which is taken from the toll income each year to fund other aspirational areas of development, and often replacing lost grant income from other sources, nor does it account for the additional costs which are being unnecessarily placed against public quays such as Reedham, where local businesses have now openly challenged the imposition of a £10 mooring fee (PS moor outside the Nelson as that 40-50m is neither managed nor controlled by BA!). Lastly, 13% has not been reflected in other statutory navigation authority rises, The environment Agency (Thames and Anglian Waterways locally) = 4%, Canal and Rivers Trust 9%. With the Broads only having a total of 190 miles of navigable waterway of which just under half are available to most vessels, the cost per mile is absolutely astronomical!
A well argued case and loaded with facts and figures that I openly admit I had not investigated. It is very interesting that the BA do seem to have the agenda of becoming a National Park, living in an area of the country that has 2 national parks the restrictions this can impose is frightening. Before we know it all fossil fuelled boats will be paying a higher toll each year.
Go Lisa you know you're stuff . I totally agree with you.
Lisa is always the Devils Advocate and will often argue the other side of things. We discussed this last night with friends and it opened up an even bigger debate lol 😂
Just have to remember the broads are a stunning place to be. Though it is always annoying when prices go up the broads is a place I'd say its worth it.
I guess that is why they expect a premium to be paid
Hi also wanted to say that I've loved watching you guys on you boating trips. Your waffling has kept me entertained for hours . I'm now super jealous of you having your own boat🫡 Good luck to you both and I can't wait to tune in to your new boating adventures. 👍
@@grahamscott-sg4qc It's been a dream to have our own boat for a few years but family life and money got in the way. Having said that we have not become millionaires overnight but life is to short. I am glad you enjoy the waffle, we can provide plenty of that.
Not only has there been a 13% increase which was on top of inflation busting increases for the last four years but they have also decreased the amount of 24hr free mooring spaces .
The Broads Authority are now charging a £10 overnight fee for boats at Ranworth staithe which was previously a free 24hr mooring maintained by our tolls and are intending to introduce the same at Reedham (but have hit legalities there so currently unable to)
The BA is a quango is unelected and have lost the support and respect of every boat owner I have spoken to, their unelected head Mr Packman has wasted tens of thousands of tolls payers monies on unrealistic pipedreams such as the Acle visitors center debacle and has consistently ignored the wishes and aims of the hire boat industry and private boaters alike, we do not mind paying a fair fee to be able to use and maintain these beautiful waterways but resent the way this man behaves like a dictator to achieve his own aims.
Either the current leadership leaves soon or I can see many many toll payers revolting.
We have cruised the Broads for the last 30+ years , 25 years as hirers and the last 5 as boat owners but are now seriously considering leaving the area .
Thank you for sharing your views regarding the recent changes in mooring fees and the performance of the Broads Authority. It is understandable that you and other boat owners such as myself are frustrated with the 13% increase in fees on top of previous inflation-busting increases, as well as the reduction in free 24-hour mooring spaces at Ranworth staithe.
The introduction of a £10 overnight fee at Ranworth staithe and the potential introduction of a similar fee at Reedham has also added to your concerns. It is unfortunate that the Broads Authority's unelected head, Mr Packman, has not been able to gain the support and respect of many boat owners due to his perceived lack of consideration for their wishes and the hire boat industry.
While it is important for the Broads Authority to generate revenue to maintain the waterways, it is equally important to do so in a fair and transparent manner. It is understandable that you and other boat owners feel that Mr Packman is behaving like a dictator to achieve his goals, especially given the perceived waste of tolls payers' funds on unrealistic projects such as the Acle visitors center.
It is hoped that the Broads Authority will listen to the concerns of boat owners and work towards a fair and transparent fee structure that takes into account the wishes and needs of all stakeholders. Thank you for sharing your concerns, and I hope that the situation improves for you and all us boat owners.
Like you I am seriously looking to move my boat if the fees don't decrease
It's really simple, the BA need to modernise their tolls collection system and introduce monthly payments....so there is no specific start or end date to your toll, you just pay monthly keeping the boat tolled on a month to month basis...If we got another pandemic and rivers were closed, they could just simply freeze the payment collections (direct debits) until such time the river are open again. Many businesses did this during the pandemic, gym memberships were frozen etc.... This would also help when buying or selling your boat.....If you buy a boat towards the end of the season, you still have to pay a full years license, same issue if you sell your boat Mid Season, you have lost all of the remaining license money.
The problem is the BA are out of date, out of touch and on the whole very poorly managed when it comes to boating. They have become too focused on 'National Park' issues and neglected many navigation issues.
You have summed up the feelings of so many people. I have been speaking to numerous people while on the boat last time. Revamp the tolls
👍
So many people now are selling their boats
I’m amazed at the number of boats for sale, the broker was telling me that people are bringing boats from the Thames to sell on the Broads.
@Waggies Cruising yes so many, I keep my boat at Potter Heigham, and there having trouble fitting all the boat's in the sale moorings
@@marklawrence855 Wow, that’s not good. I’m taking it that the problem is so many people purchased boats during lockdown at exorbitant prices that they can’t get the same money for.
@@WaggiesCruising . Very often, the prices for boats on the Broads is higher than on other waterways.
@Waggies Travels yes this is what I think happened
You are probably not aware, but the BA maintained the waterways throughout the pandemic and they were able to be reopened immediately after lockdown restrictions were lifted. Other waterways remained closed to navigation following lockdowns to enable them to be brought up to standard before they were reopened. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no great fan of the organisation, but there are occasional benefits. As for the toll increase, buying and running a boat is never going to be cheap. Anyone who thinks it is, is delusional. The toll has been raised in line with inflation. The biggest gripe with this is the question of the proportion of their navigation income being spent on the Notional Park status of the area, instead of looking after navigational needs.
Thank you for taking the time to give a detailed response. I was unaware that the authority had kept up maintenance throughout the pandemic and thanks to this it reopened quickly. We have noticed that the national Park theme seems to be a massive issue as it will likely bring many restrictions. I’m with the mindset that fees paid should be spent to benefit those who pay them and allow for the enjoyment of others.
@@WaggiesCruising . That is the concern amongst toll payers. The Broads is not a National Park in the full sense of the term. There are far too many businesses reliant on The Broads as a tourist destination for boating to become a secondary activity. Much like the drive to change our driving habits to using electric cars, the BA is trying to convince us that we should be looking at electrification as an alternative. However, there is no way that a charging network could ever be installed to be effective due to the remote location of many moorings and the cost of supporting sufficient charging points. Maybe in time, hybrid technology will help, but at the moment the costs are prohibitive. As far as tolls are concerned, should the BA have a free hand in being responsible for apportioning the monies they collect from toll payers between Notional Park and navigation? I believe that is the issue that has been raised this year following the 13% toll increase, part of which was to support the shortfall in funding from DEFRA. As a boat owner, I’m very aware of the increasing costs. The toll on our boat (29ft sedan cruiser)has increased from £391 for the year 2020/21 to £476 for 2023\24. A dramatic increase over a short period of time, but I consider myself fortunate to own a boat and grudgingly accept the costs that accompany that luxury.
Malcolm, you raise some good points but there are some obvious differences in the Navigational areas - I can confirm that other navigational areas maintained essential maintenance as they have significantly more liveaboard cruisers than the Broads Navigational Areas, whilst the non-tidal Thames remained fully serviced and manned - in addition, the CRT reduced its toll during that period as did a few marinas - there was a significant legal challenge on the South Coast for example which resulted in a significant number of large refunds! To cite raising tolls 'in line with inflation' and aligning it to boat ownership is not entirely fair either in that, although the BA do have a number of fixed costs, they certainly aren't passing on that increased collection to those whose wages, for instance, are taken directly from the toll pot and awarding them a lovely pay rise to match!
But you make an entirely excellent point in that BA do not disclose openly the percentage which is taken from the toll income each year to fund other aspirational areas of development, and often replacing lost grant income from other sources, nor does it account for the additional costs which are being unnecessarily placed against public quays such as Reedham, where local businesses have now openly challenged the imposition of a £10 mooring fee (PS moor outside the Nelson as that 40-50m is neither managed nor controlled by BA!).
Lastly, 13% has not been reflected in other statutory navigation authority rises, The environment Agency (Thames and Anglian Waterways locally) = 4%, Canal and Rivers Trust 9%. With the Broads only having a total of 190 miles of navigable waterway of which just under half are available to most vessels, the cost per mile is absolutely astronomical!
A well argued case and loaded with facts and figures that I openly admit I had not investigated. It is very interesting that the BA do seem to have the agenda of becoming a National Park, living in an area of the country that has 2 national parks the restrictions this can impose is frightening. Before we know it all fossil fuelled boats will be paying a higher toll each year.
shame they cant maintain a proper dialogue for problems.
Toll should be like car road tax system and not a fixed April to March which causes expensive interim payment
That sounds sensible but I guess the BA want money upfront