THE responses to David Hymer's proposal to incorporate CaRT's share of mooring charges into the licence fee confirms to me that he is on the right track, writes John Kerley.
The principle that 'one price covers all' has been repeatedly supported by boaters. When the Anderton Lift was re-opened, a discussion was had on whether a charge should be made for using it. It was determined that for British Waterways/CaRT long term licence holders there would be no additional charge. Likewise no additional charge is made for the assistance provided in accessing the Liverpool Link, transiting Standedge Tunnel, etc., etc.
Should apply
The same principle should apply to marina access charges. These are de-facto licence fees and should be charged equitably from all boaters. Mooring permit holders and most marina moorers pay this charge. Continuous cruisers and apparently some marina moorers, as Orph Mable reveals, do not.
Pete Earley provides valuable data on the financial implications of the proposal. His estimate that the average CaRT access charge for marina moorers is around £200 gives an indication of what the extra licence fee should be. For most boaters this would mean no extra net charge. Indeed it should mean a reduction, as all boaters would be paying their fair share to CaRT.
Fairness and equity
As Pete's figures show, a £200 increase would not be enough to abolish on-line mooring charges altogether. On grounds of fairness and equity it is right that those who occupy CaRT long term moorings which provide services and/or the security of an off-side mooring should pay extra, just like those in marinas. However if the increased licence fee also gave the right to an allocated towpath mooring spot, away from visitor moorings, for no extra charge, then this may encourage some 'continuous moorers' to take advantage of this, and not occupy visitor moorings.
Of course, there will always be some selfish individuals, and I fear increasingly so in today's society, who believe that they can 'do as you darn well pleasey', and will moor where and when they like. For these types, strict enforcement with penalties is the only language that they will understand.