The Fowey Harbour Authority in Cornwall is attempting to levy what is effectively a tax on river users, especially Stand up Paddlers and Kayakers to purportedly improve safety on the river and cover the cost of repatriating abandoned, discarded and lost craft. This is grossly unfair and is not only a seeming attempt to bolster revenues, but also reduce access to a key UK waterway to the general public that has enjoyed free use. It cites safety concerns and significant costs in dealing with lost/abandoned craft which is at this time unsubstantiated and unquantified. The tax will apply to all locals and visitors who wish to use the river for leisure. Thousands of locals and visitors put significant money into the local economies of the towns and settlements along the river and we would rather continue to support local businesses, than see these funds disappear into a black hole of bureaucracy. Disappointingly, at a time when the public need greater access to open spaces, there is increasing encroachment on this access to open spaces and waterways throughout the UK and in addition to the significant increase in household costs, represents yet another attempt to penalise those seeking to enjoy our natural wonders. If we are not careful, this will create more opportunities to heap unnecessary cost and hardship onto the general public by unscrupulous organisations. Don't let this happen to one of our iconic waterways. Sign up to keep Fowey Free!