boatone
Well-Known Member
The Environment Agency have negotiated block agreements with both British Rowing and the British Canoe Union. They enjoy generous discounts in return for managing registration issues themselves which they seem to do quite efficiently. All Rowing club craft display a 6 character code, the first 3 characters are alphabetical and identify the club whilst the last 3 are numerals which identify the boat itself.
I have been quite vociferous regarding this but receive scant support for several reasons. In particular, Rowing is a widely supported sporting activity and the lobby is strong.
However, the fact is that even if their contribution were to be doubled it would make little difference to the overall funding problem and the reaction to such a suggestion would likely be "quite interesting" !
The fact is a club rowing 8 pays less for a river registration than an angler pays for a rod licence.
The EA are now analysing the responses to the recent consultation re charges in more detail and will use them to help shape their proposals for the future of navigation charges. These proposals will form part of a further public consultation. Watch this space.
