Broads bill clears final hurdle

The legislation includes a boat safety scheme for hire crafts

A new bill to improve the safety and management of the Norfolk and Suffolk broads has passed through Parliament.

Amendments to the Broads Authority Bill were agreed by the House of Commons earlier.

The new measures will update the 1988 Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act and provide greater safety for people using the waterways.

Provisions include comprehensive third party insurance and a requirement to have life jackets on hire crafts.

Stephen Johnson, chairman of the Broads Authority, said: "I am absolutely delighted that this important updating of our legislation has been given the final go-ahead.

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

Other key elements include the development of a boat safety scheme, equivalent to an MoT scheme for cars, designed to reduce the risk of fire and explosion.