Recent research by Cranfield University has shown that the Authority is removing significantly more sediment than is coming into the system. However, if the ambitions of users are to be satisfied considerably more needs to be taken out.

The costs of dredging have risen substantially in recent years from 60 pence to £1 per cubic metre in the early 1980s to on average £13 per cubic metre today, though in the River Yare where the sediment is contaminated it can be as high as £30.

Martin Broom, Chairman of the Navigation Committee, said, ‘The decision of the Navigation Committee to recommend an increase in the tolls for next year above the rate of inflation was only made after carefully considering the problems facing the Authority. Additional money is needed if more dredging is to be done as well as maintaining and improving the moorings and facilities throughout the Broads. The Navigation Committee will be monitoring most carefully the expenditure to ensure the extra money will only be spent on improving the navigation.’

Ken Gaylard, chairman of the Broads Hire Boat Federation said, ‘Whilst any increases above inflation are unwelcome, the industry does recognise the need for additional resource to be put into the dredging programme. The toll increases agreed today will enable some of the backlog to be tackled, which is to the advantage of all Broads users.’

David Adler, vice chairman of the Navigation Committee, who chaired the Group looking at the management of sediment added, ‘The Sediment Management Group recommended a substantial increase in dredging expenditure in order to tackle the significant backlog. I am delighted that the officers accepted the member’s proposals that the 2007 toll increase should be 9.9% for private boats and 6.1% for hire boats and this should be used for dredging’.

The final decision on next year’s fees will be made by the Broads Authority at its meeting on 24 November

By DAVID FOXWELL