Permissions for the Isle of Wight Road Races motorcycle event in the south west of the Island to take place next April have not yet been granted.
The permits from the Isle of Wight Council as highways authority and the Auto Cycle Union (ACU) have not been applied for yet, promoters told a meeting of Chale Parish Council last night (Monday),
Expecting word by the autumn
Tim Addison, representing the Isle of Wight Road Races (IWRR), said they have been in detailed talks with the ACU for months and are working towards a recommendation from the council’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG), on a scheduled timeframe.
Mr Addison said it was hoped the SAG would make its recommendation by the autumn.
Permit required before Race Order can be considered
The council, acting as highways authority, will determine whether a Motor Race Order can be issued for the time trials to take place on public roads, but the promoter must first obtain a permit issued by the ACU.
Cllr John Harrison, from Shorwell Parish Council, asked whether there would be enough time for the permit submissions and necessary six-month consultations to take place before the event.
Addison: “Nowhere near any deadline”
Mr Addison said planning had been underway for some time, but they were nowhere near any deadline.
The Motor Race Order deadline is on 20th October, but the ACU permission must be in place before then.
Islander James Kaye, another event promoter and champion motor racer, said the SAG would determine whether the event was safe, not just for residents living near the race track, but all those on the Island and those coming for the event.
If it was not, the Road Races would not go ahead.
Kaye: Safety a priority
Mr Kaye reassured residents they were doing the utmost to ensure safety was the number one priority.
Addressing concerns about the potential impact of Covid, with the Island facing a sudden influx of cases, Mr Addison said they had paused aspects of the event while they waited for restrictions to be lifted, but now they had, it was an opportunity to start working.
He said,
“You cannot fear everything being closed down again.”
Pre-event roadworks
Mr Kaye said the roadworks proposed before the race, including anti-slip painting, replacing manhole covers and temporary removal of road signs, may impact residents a small amount.
IWRR are holding a six-week consultation, which started on 1st August, to hear thoughts from residents and address issues.
Mr Addison said,
“We are very keen to welcome people into the conversation who know what they are talking about, and not just deal with speculation and hyperbole about it.”
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This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
Image: William Daigneault under CC BY 2.0
