Norfolk Broads chief welcomes use of electric boats
The head of the Broads Authority has welcomed the introduction of electric day boats as part of a wider vision to help protect the environment. Norfolk Broads boat hire company Broads Tours has launched two electric day boats as part of its fleet. Broads Authority chief executive John Packman said it was a "really important" step to help raise public awareness of climate change. He said, however, electric boats were only part of the bigger picture. Mr Packman said the introduction of electric boats helped "alert the public to climate change and carbon reduction". "If you look at tourism, it is not only the diesel these boats are using, the biggest part is the tourists coming to and going away from the Broads and what other activity they do here. "We need some more focus on transport, getting to Norfolk," he said. He said the introduction of electric boats was a "real opportunity to engage the public in conversation about what they can do in their lives to reduce the amount of carbon they are using". Among those keen to reduce their carbon footprint was Eleni Papaioannou, who specifically requested an electric boat when she went out on the water with her family to celebrate her birthday. The 29-year-old, who lives in Norwich, said: "Obviously it makes an impact on the environment and we hope that all of the boats will be electric in the future." The Broads Authority recently set out its five-year strategy for the future of the Broads , called the Broads Plan, which raised the "need to address the impacts of climate change". Actions included in the plan, released in November, included promoting understanding and protecting the landscape. It said it was also "on track" to meet its carbon reduction target of zero emissions by 2040. Follow East of England news on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter . Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830 Five-year Broads vision recognises climate change 'Broads of the future would be familiar to Romans' Water birds on Broads may have died from bird flu Broads Authority backs surcharge on developers Broads Authority Woman born during Battle of Passchendaele celebrates 106th birthday 7 of the best roast dinners in Norfolk according to Google reviews 5 celebrities you could spot in Norwich this autumn Severe thunderstorm warning issued for parts of Norfolk Gorleston woman's care home eviction almost due Call for rethink to stop sell off of empty council buildings Morocco rescuers dig with bare hands as foreign aid sent US denies Cold War with China in historic Vietnam visit How Russia and West agreed on Ukraine G20 language How Russia and West agreed on Ukraine G20 language US denies Cold War with China in historic Vietnam visit 'Everyone in this village is either dead or missing' A Serbian scientist's long quest to name Srebrenica's dead How chronic pain feels for me. Video How chronic pain feels for me Guyana scrambles to make the most of oil wealth The spongy creatures cleaning Zanzibar's oceans. Video The spongy creatures cleaning Zanzibar's oceans Inside a 'hijacked' South African building. Video Inside a 'hijacked' South African building The rise and fall of a parenting influencer Florida's first hurricane-proof town The greatest spy novel ever written? Why is everyone crazy about Aperol? 2023 BBC.