Binding legal agreements have been signed between the Broads Authority, Royal Yachting Association (RYA), British Marine Federation and The Inland Waterways Association on the content of the Broads Authority Bill.

If successful, the Bill will give the Authority new powers to ensure that the Broads are safer to navigate, helped by government-funded waterway maintenance.

The measures include applying the National Boat Safety Scheme to reduce the risk of fire and explosions; introducing compulsory third-party insurance to boats; licensing hire boats; allowing Authority staff to enter land to manage overhanging vegetation and giving the Haddiscoe Cut a public right of navigation.

Kerry Turner, Authority chair, said: “Over the last nine months we have worked hard to reconcile the concerns of the boating organisations and I am delighted that we have reached an agreement. I hope it will now receive a speedy passage through Parliament.”

Rod Carr, CEO of the RYA, added: “The Bill will create an important precedent. We hope that new management powers, along with the strengthened role of the Navigation Committee to scrutinise and advise the Authority on navigation matters, will form the basis for improved communications and a stronger partnership between the Authority and local boating interests.”

The Bill is expected to complete its passage through Parliament by autumn 2007. Details: www.broads-authority.gov.uk