Marina access charges

RECENT comments regarding access charges levied by British Waterways and their successors Canal & River Trust (CaRT) are interesting, writes Jimmy Lockwood.

To me it seems entirely reasonable that CaRT should charge a marina for access to a canal—ONCE. This would cover the cost of creating the junction and, if appropriate, filling the space with water.

Justifiable grounds

What then are the justifiable grounds for making a continuing annual charge?

Thereafter nothing changes; no water is used (physics applies so boats entering the marina will return water to the canal—remember Archimedes' principle); little or no work is required or done by CaRT, and any boats moored within the marina contribute to CaRT's income through licence fees.

Holding to ransom

The charge is simply a method of holding the marina owners to ransom. This is a charge of the type that is gradually being eroded by courts in similar land-based situations e.g. excessive wheel clamping charges.

Perhaps Pillings Lock Marina might consider it is worth going to court to seek a similar ‘common sense' solution to a country-wide issue. Support may be forthcoming from owners of other marinas in these financially difficult times.

Of course if the waterway happens to be a river, not a canal, then CaRT cannot levy an access charge. They do not own the waterway and are just the navigation authority.

Move entrance

Pillings Lock Marina entrance is just on the canal section of the Soar. Might they instead consider moving the entrance above Pillings Lock?

As an aside when did the introduction of such charges commence? I cannot see 18th century industrialists paying access charges for basins at factory locations unless a towpath bridge was required. The management of some of the older leisure marinas may be able to enlighten us.