Insisting it cannot condone such excessive price rises above the rate of inflation, the IWA says by introducing these proposals BW is adding to an ever-increasing burden that boaters are being called on to bear.

The increases include higher Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) charges; fuel prices likely to treble in price following the planned removal of derogation on Red Diesel; and higher mooring fees.

The association is concerned that BW will simply price people, especially those with fixed incomes, off the waterways.

BW’s consultation document is also criticised because it fails to consult about the level of price increase and, says the IWA, merely seeks views about the detail and manner in which the higher charges will be introduced.

'If we are to attract people to the waterways, then a proper and effective system of fairly funding them is required,' said Roger Squires, deputy IWA national chairman. 'Many waterside businesses rely on passing boaters’ trade; the hire boat industry relies on offering an affordable yet quality product.'

The boater is being mugged, insisted Squires. 'We have all seen from the Save our Waterways Campaign that boaters are only 3% of the users, the other 97% are not being mugged simply because they are not such an easy touch. What about 'protection for the boaters’?'

The IWA intends to respond formally to the consultation after gauging the views of its members.