Consultation on Road Races Bill begins
Public views sought
Current laws said to be old-fashioned
Quote:‘The Department of Economic Development believes Sunday racing will support the visitor economy’
Phil Gawne MHK
The Department of Infrastructure says it is seeking to update key elements of legislation ‘to ensure that motorsport festivals continue to flourish and make an important contribution to the island’s economy and culture’.
It says the Road Races Bill 2015 aims to better reflect the needs of event organisers, participants and fans by reducing bureaucracy, enhancing safety and increasing the period over which road racing can take place.
The proposals will also remove an overlap between two current pieces of legislation by restricting the use of the Road Races Act to powered vehicles and the Highway Act to other types of entertainment such as bicycle races, soap box derbies and carnivals.
John Houghton MHK, the politician at the Department of Infrastructure Member with responsibility for highway services, said:
‘The Isle of Man is widely regarded as the road racing capital of the world and events such as the TT festival attract a global audience of millions and contribute to the growth of our economy.
‘It is important to protect our road racing heritage by keeping it relevant to the modern world.’
He added:
‘The Road Races Act 1982 enables the Department of Infrastructure to hand over parts of the highway network to the organisers of racing events.
‘Over the past 33 years the legislation has become increasingly out of step with the requirements of the general public, the department, event organisers and health and safety standards.
‘Change is needed and I would urge people to have their say on this important aspect of Manx life via the consultation.’
The proposed modernisation would relax the current restrictions on Sunday racing.
The DoI says that evidence suggests that allowing motorsport festivals to take place at weekends would increase visitor numbers and boost the Manx economy.
Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said:
‘Thirty-three years ago, when the current legislation was written, Sunday was considered a day of peace, free from events and commercial entertainment.
‘Since then, our culture and expectations have changed dramatically.
‘Restaurants, cafés, shops and pubs are open on Sundays and people increasingly travel to events at weekends. The Department of Economic Development believes Sunday racing will support the visitor economy, although organisers would still be expected to work with affected communities.’
He added:
‘We believe the time is right to bring forward new legislation that will continue the legacy of road racing in the Isle of Man.’
The draft Bill and consultation documents are available on the government website here and people are encouraged to comment on a wide range of issues, including event management and safety, the appointment and powers of marshals, prohibited spectator areas and Sunday racing.
Views can be emailed to doiconsultation@gov.im or posted to Jeffrey Robinson, Director of Highway Services, Department of Infrastructure, Sea Terminal, Douglas, IM1 2RF.
The closing date for submissions is Thursday, September 17.
Should it be easier to hold road races on Sundays?
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