Getting enough money is difficult, says Broads boss

John Packman, chief executive of the Broads Authority said he has sympathy with those unhappy with toll increases

Recent toll rises were necessary, said the chief executive of the Broads Authority, which runs national parks in Norfolk and Suffolk.

John Packman said he sympathised with those who opposed the rise, but added costs to maintain the water network had spiralled due to inflation.

Hire boat firms had argued that the new average charge of 5.9% was unreasonable and put holidaymakers off from visiting the Broads.

However, last month, the Department for Transport ruled the increased charges were fair.

The numbers of boaters on the Broads fell in the summer of 2024, according to the Broads Authority

In November, the authority said it was looking at a £400,000 shortfall, and would have to do less this year as a result.

The Broads Authority received its core funding from two sources - the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and tolls.

Answering questions from the public about the increase on BBC Radio Norfolk, Mr Packman said: "Every year it's difficult because it's this balance between getting enough money to do what people want.

"Many of our private owners, in particular, they want more. They want more moorings, more dredging, more rangers out on the water checking about the speeding.

"Dredging is probably our largest single cost...but things are in good condition and we're happy where we are at the moment."

The number of visitors has fallen compared to previous decades, but Mr Packman believed the state of the economy, the cost of living and the rainy weather might have played a role in fewer tourists rather than toll costs.

"People used to book for two weeks and come whatever the weather, now they're watching what the weather is doing and booking late," he said.

The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads were a unique and protected wetland landscape known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and recreational boating

He was also asked about accessibility issues and how holidays on the broads could be improved for people with disabilities.

Mr Packman said he was "entirely sympathetic" to the issue.

"It's one of the things I've picked up with the hire boat federation," he said.

"They point out that it's really quite difficult for a weekly cruiser to be able to get people on and off a boat.

"I do think the issue is something we need to have another look at."

Mr Packman said the authority was also working with the Environment Agency on how climate change and sea level rises could impact the Broads in the next 100 years.