AN SNP MSP has said that a firm’s proposal to start charging a fee to sail the Clyde “should be scrapped”.
It comes after The National reported on Peel Ports’ leaked proposal to start charging a “conservancy fee” of £100 per year (or £75 just for the summer) on all boats from six to 24 metres which are moored or berthed in the Clydeport area.
This led to outrage from local sailing groups and sailors, who hit out at the proposed fee as a “blatant money grab” and argued that many of the reasons the document outlines for the fee are dubious.
Peel Ports listed an “increase in vessels adrift or sunken” as well as “recovery costs” as some of the reasons for potentially introducing the fee.
The firm – which is ultimately owned by Liverpool-based property firm The Peel Group – also listed “environmental protection” (below) which the port authority's website itself outlines as one of its “statutory responsibilities”.
“Commercial vessels using Clyde ports already pay fees which presumably account for much of Peel Ports’ profit,” the local Clydesailing group said.
“The intention is clearly to add to the profits by including leisure users who make use of the services which are part of Peel Ports’ responsibility.”
Peel Ports, meanwhile, were keen to stress that the firm is at the "early stages of exploring options" when it comes to potentially introducing a fee.
But now, Stuart McMillan – the local MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde – has called for the proposal to be scrapped.
McMillan told The National that he was first made aware of the proposal through members of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism last month.
“It was an agenda item at our last meeting on September 24 but sadly Peel Ports were not able to attend but we have asked them to attend the next meeting on November 26,” he said.
McMillan added that he had been contacted by angry constituents concerned about the proposal and felt that the fee would just be an “opportunity to bring money into Peel Ports at the expense of boaters”.
“In addition, there are no guarantees that any fees collected will be invested in conserving the River Clyde,” he said.
“I was also made aware of the concerns that the fees are to be collected by boat clubs and marinas for them to then pass the money on to Peel Ports.
McMillan went on: “There is genuine frustration and anger at how this proposal has come about and boaters want this proposal scrapped. I support them in their call.
“The River Clyde is a valuable asset for Inverclyde and the West of Scotland and it should be harnessed to ensure we have more recreational vessels using it. This proposed charge will ultimately drive people away and that would have a detrimental effect on the local economy.”
A Peel Ports spokesperson said the proposal was "aligned" to the practice of many other port authorities who apply similar fees.
“No decision has been taken with regard to these initial discussions, however if we were to pursue the introduction of a fee, in line with our statutory obligations we would hold a consultation during which all marine users would be given the opportunity to share their views," the spokesperson added.
"Conservancy fees for leisure vessels are standard practice among UK Harbour Authorities, enabling the essential maintenance and operation of our waterways. Regardless of the outcome of these discussions, as the Statutory Harbour Authority for the Clyde, we will continue to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for both professional and leisure users of the Firth of Clyde and river.”
