Boaters on the non-tidal Medway and Thames are to be hit by inflation-busting increases in fees from next year. If boaters abandon these waterways the result will be counter-productive for the Environment Agency.
The public consultation on the EA’s proposed navigation charge increases for 2019 to 2020 and 2020 to 2021 is now live here.
Please respond using this online tool which will enable the EA to manage their comments more effectively. However, if you prefer to respond by email or post, you can email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk using ‘Navigation charge proposals 2019 to 2021’ in the title. You will get the consultation documents and a form in the post to complete. All responses must be received by Thursday 30 August 2018.
One could consider this is the start of the EA attempting to bring Medway licensing charges up into line with those on the Thames.
Those with good memory might also remember that EA charges were frozen for the two previous years , despite considerable long term upgrading of Medway facilities and 90% of the entire southeastern capital budget disappearing into one single Medway lock !