Broads Authority pushes 'diesel levy' in electric boat bid

The Broads Authority is considering a rethink of the amount it charges rental companies in toll fees next year.

Under the plans, revealed at a Navigation Committee meeting, electric and hybrid boats could pay less to use the waterways, while those running on just diesel would be expected to pay more. 

One of the Broads Tours new electric boats launched last year (Image: Broads Tours)

Hired sailing boats will also see their toll fees frozen this year to support these fleets. which have seen a reduction in the number of people using them.

It is hoped this eco-levy will encourage hire boat firms in the Broads to prepare for an electric switchover, which is seen as the future of boating in order to address the environmental impact of fossil fuels.

Private motorboat owners will not be affected, although senior officials hoped the move will be a step in a direction towards the authority's overall ambitions to usher in a new era of environmentally-friendly boating. 

The move comes as discussions continue towards the setting of toll fees for boaters next year, which have been recommended to rise by 5.9pc, which will mean the BA will have to make staffing and service costs due to a predicted £400,000 shortfall in funds. 

Daniel Thwaites, director of Barnes Brinkcraft and Broads Authority member (Image: Broads Authority)

However, Daniel Thwaites, director of hire boat from Barnes Brinkcraft, warned that electric boats remain significantly more expensive and that smaller firms would struggle to afford this switch.

This would mean the eco-levy will mean hire boat firms with diesel boats will face an extra cost burden next year.

Mr Thwaites said: "All our new day boats are electric but it does double the cost.

"We are doing it to get ahead but currently there are only three firms offering them.

"The reduction will help and it looks good for the BA but it won't change much."

Mr Thwaites added that there is a lack of infrastructure to recharge the boats on the Broads, making it difficult to find places to recharge for weekly hire vessels and that the technology is still needing improvements.

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

John Packman, chief executive of the BA, said he accepts it is not a "strong policy" but hoped it acts as a "symbolic gesture" that shows its intention to move towards electric boating in the Broads.

The BA had previously pushed for funding to electrify the Broads but it was unsuccessful, however, building the infrastructure around the waterways is still very much an ambition.

The BA will make a decision on the policy later this month.