MartynG

I guess there isn't enough biofuel available at the moment . We don't want fuel crops to result in reduced food crop production do we. But with most new cars electric any remaining diesel cars , tractors etc could use biofuel - not now but in 20 years or whenever.

It will not be worthless - just put HVO, or the like , in it. I have little doubt new canal boats will all be electric in the next ten years , if not sooner. Nor do I see conversion from diesel to electric being beyond consideration especially as the means to do so becomes more readily available. Alan , What are you going to do with your boats ? Sell now while the prices are good?

But a 90% reduction is a huge improvement and a non-fossil fuel source. There is another 29 years to find ways to improve on that . Also if bio fuel becomes more available and demand from road vehicles reduces the price may reduce. In the Clean Maritime Plan a change to bio fuel it is an acceptable solution, among others - see below. . Table 1: Technologies and fuels on a pathway to zero-emission shipping Technology/Fuel Technology/fuel usage Further detail Alternative fuel propulsion Methanol Can be used directly in an internal combustion engine or fuel cell. Can be used as a fuel itself or a store for hydrogen. Hydrogen Can be used as an input to ammonia or methanol production as well as a fuel itself. Ammonia Can either be used as a fuel itself, or as a carrier for hydrogen before the hydrogen is used as the fuel. Biofuels Used directly in an internal combustion engine. Various types of biofuels from different sources of biomass (e.g. crops, wastes) possible.

In the case of a diesel engine compliance can be achieved by switching fuel to HVO, which is available now at about 20p per litre above the cost of diesel. https://www.crownoil.co.uk/products/hvo-fuel-hydrotreated-vegetable-oil/?utm_keyword=biodiesel&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0fr_BRDaARIsAABw4Evq8vtR9i3RppDLirdIY5sfXD-nS6HxzSZvlDx7NcaHT8Ck6rk0TxoaApSUEALw_wcB .

Maybe non essential everything should be taxed? eg all forms of travel , sex unless officially authorised to reproduction purposes, beer , wine etc

It would be unreasonable for C&RT to penalise anyone for an expired BSS on a boat that is not in use. But as I said a BSS renewal is possible even if it involves a little expenditure. I think many of us have spent more in the pandemic on things like home deliveries / buying online is not always the cheapest . I certainly haven seen a reduction in monthly outgoings despite the car and the boat both having done low mileage .

You could pay someone to sort out the minor things to which you refer , possibly the surveyor might do this if you ask nicely. It could be lest cost than the cost of driving 9 hours. .