Kennet and Avon Canal cycle charges-CTC position statement

Steve Swithin of the CTC s Touring Department has issued a Position Statement on the Kennet and Avon Cycle Pass scheme, which came into effect on 1 July. The statement reads

Since 1994, British Waterways has provided free cycle permits, after recognising that 'although a case could be made for charging, enforcement costs make it uneconomic'. This summer, British Waterways announced a charging system for cyclists using the Kennet and Avon Canal, the key features of which are as follows: a £15 annual fee for adults aged 16 and over (£12.50 if paid in advance) or a £5 monthly fee for adults (£4 in advance). The pass includes: third party insurance, and for adult passes, personal accident cover; supplying the waterways Code for Cyclists and a map showing the lengths of towpaths available; employing two full-time towpath rangers.

The CTC is unable to support the scheme on the following grounds:

• Since the launch of the permit scheme in 1994, British Waterways has not maintained an effective consultation process with the CTC, and has not taken sufficient steps to effectively monitor the progress of the scheme. Although British Waterways - a public body - has for some time been considering the implementation of a revised permit scheme for the Kennet and Avon Canal, insufficient consultation about the revised scheme took place.
• The new scheme has been implemented in response to complaints about cyclists from anglers, walkers and other towpath users. British Waterways have been able to produce no evidence of a real problem in the form of accident statistics. British Waterways instead cite the frequency of complaints - i.e. purely anecdotal evidence from other users - as the major factor for introducing a payment scheme.
• Although considered as an experiment by British Waterways, there is no basis for definition of the problem, and therefore no robust criteria against which to measure its success. The framework for appraisal is also considered to be inadequate. The problem as defined by British Waterways involves the interaction of cyclists and other user groups; however, the cost of the solution is to be borne entirely by cyclists.
• The CTC contends that the complaints which are generated are caused by a minority of irresponsible cyclists, and that this minority will avoid any attempts to collect payment of the fee. Therefore the vast majority of responsible cyclists will be penalised financially for the behaviour of a few.
• British Waterways claim that 'we want as many people as possible to enjoy using our towpaths, and this includes cyclists wherever the local conditions are suitable'. The CTC maintains that an annual charge of £15 will prove to be a disincentive to cyclists to cycle along the Kennet and Avon towpath.
• The British Waterways permit includes a component of third-party insurance. All CTC members carry this cover automatically. Therefore British Waterways is imposing a totally unnecessary financial burden on the responsible cyclist.
• Canal towpaths form important transport links. This is their historical function. Many cyclists rely on these traffic-free routes. The effect of the charge will be to introduce 'road pricing' for cyclists, forcing those who cannot afford the charge off the towpath
• Placing an additional two rangers on the 87-mile length of the towpath will have an insignificant impact on any problems .
• The National Cycling Strategy, launched in 1996 by the Department of Transport, aims to quadruple cycle use. The CTC contends that as a public body, British Waterways should contribute to that target. The permit fee will have the opposite effect, and is considered to be a knee- jerk and ineffective response to an ill-defined problem.
• The CTC considers that the way to encourage compliant and responsible cycle use of the towpath is via increased consultation, information provision and education, rather than by fiscal charges.

from CT&C Aug/Sept

Last updated 04 December 2000