Broads Bill gets Royal Assent

A BILL to improve the safety of the Broads and the way it is run finally became law yesterday after the Queen gave her Royal Assent.Key provisions of the Broads Authority Act will be implemented from April and include a licensing scheme for hire boats, compulsory third-party insurance for craft and the power to manage water-skiing more effectively.

A BILL to improve the safety of the Broads and the way it is run finally became law yesterday after the Queen gave her Royal Assent.

Key provisions of the Broads Authority Act will be implemented from April and include a licensing scheme for hire boats, compulsory third-party insurance for craft and the power to manage water-skiing more effectively.

Broads Authority staff will also be given powers to remove dangerous riverside trees and vegetation and issue directions to boat users to divert them if there is a safety issue.

The Broads Bill was deposited in the Houses of Parliament in November 2006 and had been subjected to four debates and closely scrutinised by two committees.

It cost the Broads Authority about �500,000 to turn the bill into an Act of Parliament.

Chairman Stephen Johnson said: “I am absolutely delighted that this important updating of our legislation has finally become law.

“The support of ministers in both Houses of Parliament, our local MPs and peers and national boating organisations has been tremendous.

“Now we will get on with implementing the provisions of the act with the aim of making the Broads an even safer place to enjoy.”