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.
It (and I) have therefore concluded that usage-based charging can't be justified. However, another conclusion is that "boats 'navigating on the water') would *not* increase maintenance or other operating costs of BW significantly. In other words, for BW it is fixed costs that count the most, indeed almost entirely. Adrian I think we need clearer definitions of exactly what is included in each group of costs to accept that the wear and tear on locks etc. and extra dredging have no impact on BW costs. I'm assuming the fixed costs include:- Offices & staff, licensing, website, buildings, embankments, reservoirs bridges & tunnels etc., length staff to watch for leaks and licence evasion; Are they also taken to include:- Replacement of lock gates, moveable bridges etc. due to decay and weathering (i.e. the difference between the Huddersfield before and after restoration)?; This leaves wear and tear and staff involved in supervising boaters e.g. at staircase flights. Sean
