Will Chapman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >Adrian Stott wrote: >> I was strongly in favour of a usage element in navigation charges, >> based on it. However, BW did some research, and came to the >> conclusion that the marginal cost to it of a vessel navigating is so >> small that it can be ignored. > >I don't believe that. I understand that a significant part of >BW's maintenance bill is due to user damage to locks, eroded >banks and other assets. That is to poor boat handling. To me that >means more boat movement equates to more damage and general wear >and tear.
Nonetheless, that is what BW has found and stated in its navigation charge consultation documentation. User-caused damage is highly visible, but may well be a small part of the total annual maintenance cost. Compare with how you hear of all train crash deaths, but hardly ever of the many times more numerous car crash ones. Adrian Adrian Stott 07956-299966
