I saw this article linked from UKC to the Guardian I thought it was interesting especially the part about how they have been sending a bill to highlight how much the rescue cost despite not actually charging them. Is this a way that UK Rescue Team should go? Having been involved in some CDD case (People needing a kick up the arse rather than real rescues) recently. It would perhaps send a message to hill users to be more prepared and think about there action before heading into the hills under equipped and under skilled.
Whilst I don’t agree with charging people in the UK for MR, the sheer volume of rescues, which is rising year on year seemingly across the UK. I think as a team, Llanberis is on 140 call outs so far this year, by the end of the year this will probably equate to a 50% increase. Whilst the North Wales Police and other bodies have set up Mountain Safe a organisation aimed at raising the awareness of safe use of the uplands in Wales. There effect seems to be zero on the actual number of call outs.
Imagine if you were rescue and someone sent you what looked like a bill through the post, I am sure the word would get out fairly quickly that you need to be responsible when hillwalking.
It is an interesting approach, we shall have to see how it goes.