THERE are proposals for a Bill to enable the Middle Level Commissioners to charge boaters for using the locks on the Fenland canals.
The authority, which is responsible for the Fenland waterways, wants the power to raise funds from boaters using its waterways, Alan Tilbury reveals.
Raise £50,000
At a meeting yesterday (Wednesday 12th) between the authority's Chief Executive, Iain Smith and the waterways minister, Richard Benyon MP, it was agreed that the levies could raise £50,000 a year, which, it was stated, would be used to improve moorings and flood defences.
Support
Many boaters use the Nene and then the Middle Level to reach the River Great Ouse and the Fenland waterways, at present without charge, but the Bill, that has the support of both the Middle Level Commissioners and Richard Benyon would mean payment would have to be made when passing through the locks.
It is an 18th century law that prevents a charge being made for boaters using the locks, but a Bill through parliament would override this, meaning that payment would have to be made or there would be no passage.
Expensive
There is no intimation of the amount that would be charged, but to raise £50,000 on the limited number of boats that pass though the locks, it is likely to be substantial.
Iain Smith states the authority is 'fully supportive of a Bill which would allow us to levy charges on leisure boats', adding:
"If it does go through, from our point of view, it would be very pleasing to be able to call on boat owners to make a fair contribution to maintaining the waterways."
Richard Benyon told that he understood the need to bring the Middle Level Commission waterways in line with the others around the country.