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TT working group say event is still viable



TONY BROWN: The chief minister set up the working group to examine communication and review Coroner Michael Moyle’s recommendations in relation to running the TT Races


"Prohibited areas need to be properly enforced but every year the course is examined and it is important not to go too far"
Chief Minister Tony BrownA WORKING group set up by Chief Minister Tony Brown in the wake of the TT inquest has said the TT will remain viable but responsibilities must be made clear.
Mr Brown set up the group, which held its first meeting on Wednesday, to examine communication and review Coroner Michael Moyle's recommendations in relation to running the races.

Mr Brown said: 'We are trying to make sure everyone is clear about their responsibilities. We want to make sure there is no misunderstanding about things like putting out signs.

'The TT has been going 100 years so we want to examine everything because it has evolved over that period.

'Areas of misunderstanding need to be clarified. It is important to emphasise that work goes on and some things have already been done since the 2007 races.

'It is always prudent to keep re-examining the situation.'

>> Chief minister orders top level probe into TT
26 March 2008

Mr Brown said he did not expect the working party to carry on indefinitely and any changes should be implemented in time for this year's TT races in eight weeks' time.

'We are looking at whether we need to change any of the legislation or how the various orders are made,' he said.

Asked about the implications for the future of the racing Mr Brown offered an emphatic endorsement of the TT festival.

'As long as the volunteers, the people who provide support and the riders want to continue, it will continue,' he said.

'The TT is in good shape and has a good future. Things move on and we need to ensure we can continue to operate it properly.

'I have marshalled myself on the Southern 100 races and it is a responsibility. We need to make sure all the marshals are supported and have confidence and are clear of their duties.

'We need to ensure we are giving them the proper information and training. Supporting them is vital because they contribute valuable time.'

On the issue of possible spectator restrictions in future races, Mr Brown said it was important to ensure safety but also not to over-react.

'This was a very unfortunate incident. Prohibited areas need to be properly enforced but every year the course is examined and it is important not to go too far,' he said.

'It is a balance to provide spectators with safe viewing and an enjoyable experience at the same time.'

Delivering his inquest findings on March 20, coroner Michael Moyle made a scathing attack on TT organisers whose incompetence he said had been instrumental in the deaths of two spectators.

Dean Adrian Jacob, 33, of Kidderminster, and Gregory John Kenzig, 52, of Queensland, Australia, both died in the 26th Milestone accident on June 8 last year, as did competitor Marc Ramsbotham, 34, of Norfolk.

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An online poll at iomtodayfound that most respondents agreed with the working group in that the TT has a viable future.

A total of 471 votes (54 per cent) clicked the option which read 'lessons have already been learned and there is a different organisational structure in place' while 287 votes (33 per cent) felt the coroner's verdict will signal the beginning of the end for the TT.

The remaining 118 respondents (13 per cent) felt the races had a future 'only if there are many more changes to the way the races are run'.

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WHAT DO YOU THINK? DOES THE TT HAVE A FUTURE? OR HAS THE SENIOR TRAGEDY SHOWN THE RISK TO SPECTATORS IS TOO HIGH?
Send your comments to newsviews@newsiom.co.im