A LEAKED proposal to charge Scots to sail on the Clyde has been met with outrage.
Peel Ports Clydeport — the port authority on the Clyde ultimately owned by English property management firm The Peel Group — has discussed implementing the controversial fee, according to a document leaked to The National.
The PDF file under the title “Leisure Vessel Conservancy Fee” (below) outlines the proposal to impact a £100 yearly charge (or £75 just for the summer) on all boats from six to 24 metres which are moored or berthed within the Clydeport area.
The document also outlines potential ways to enforce the plans, including “spot checks” and “vessel arrests”.
Addressing the “purpose” for the new charge, Peel Ports listed an “increase in vessels adrift or sunken” as well as “recovery costs” as some of the reasons.
Peel Ports also listed “environmental protection” (below) which the port authorities website itself outlines as one of its “statutory responsibilities” — and “costs associated with AToNs” — which are installed in waterways to assist sailors in determining their position or safe course.
The concerned sailor who first leaked the document to The National said the plans would be a “scandal if implemented”
The local Clydesailing group, meanwhile, said Peel Ports’ justification for the fee is “transparent nonsense” and highlighted the firm’s high revenue.
The latest accounts for the Liverpool-based Peel Ports Group showed pre-tax profits soaring to £397.3m in 2023.
“This would appear to be merely a blatant money grab by an English property company to extract profits for its shareholders,” a group member wrote on Facebook.
“Some might say it is reminiscent of the infamous Poll Tax and should be resisted similarly.”
They added: “Commercial vessels using Clyde ports already pay fees which presumably account for much of Peel Ports’ profit.
“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.”
A spokesperson for Peel Ports Clydeport, meanwhile, stressed that the firm is at the "early stages of exploring options" when it comes to potentially introducing a fee.
They added that it 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.”
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Statutory Harbour Authorities such as Clydeport have a power under section 26 of the Harbours Act 1964 to levy ship, passenger or goods dues as they think fit, subject to any exemptions.
“The importance of such dues to the viability of ports and harbours is widely recognised. However, for harbour users, the levying of such dues can have a significant impact. If users of a port are unhappy with the terms of their charges, we advise them in the first instance to discuss their issues directly with the port authority to attempt to find a satisfactory commercial solution.”
