Rally_Mad_02
13 November 2003, 23:26
Despite a larger number of speeding fines handed out to many of the competitors on the 2002 Rally GB, the organisers of the event have moved to dismiss speculation that the event’s future in Wales is in jeopardy.
17 drivers were fined and/or banned in Neath Magistrates Court following the offences during the shakedown for last year’s event but the 2003 rally – held on may of the same stretches of road – saw a huge improvement in law-abiding from competitors and spectators alike.
Organisers of Wales Rally GB claim that the future of the event is secure and have put the high number of convictions in 2002 down to a 'blip.'
The FIA, as expected, reacted to the fines and driving bans by commissioning a report about the suitability of Wales as a host venue for Rally GB. It stated that "the actions of the police and magistrates seem to indicate that this is an exceptionally dangerous location for a rally."
But in a counter statement Andrew Coe, the Chief Executive of Rally GB Limited, said: "The FIA has given us a clear assurance that it is delighted with the quality of the organisation of the event in Wales, and this confidence is reinforced by early reports from the police and Safety Camera Partnership regarding the use of the public roads by spectators and competitors for this year's event.
"We are therefore looking forward to continuing to develop the opportunities Wales Rally GB brings to Wales as a whole, as well as the local communities through which it passes."
The police again used a high number of mobile speed cameras on last weekend's event, an early reports suggest a significant drop in the number of offences committed.
"Obviously, we would like to see speeding on public roads eliminated completely for next year's event," added Coe. "Wales provides a fantastic venue for an exciting event and it is important, therefore, that everyone involved with Wales Rally GB, including our rally drivers, respect the communities through which the event passes."
17 drivers were fined and/or banned in Neath Magistrates Court following the offences during the shakedown for last year’s event but the 2003 rally – held on may of the same stretches of road – saw a huge improvement in law-abiding from competitors and spectators alike.
Organisers of Wales Rally GB claim that the future of the event is secure and have put the high number of convictions in 2002 down to a 'blip.'
The FIA, as expected, reacted to the fines and driving bans by commissioning a report about the suitability of Wales as a host venue for Rally GB. It stated that "the actions of the police and magistrates seem to indicate that this is an exceptionally dangerous location for a rally."
But in a counter statement Andrew Coe, the Chief Executive of Rally GB Limited, said: "The FIA has given us a clear assurance that it is delighted with the quality of the organisation of the event in Wales, and this confidence is reinforced by early reports from the police and Safety Camera Partnership regarding the use of the public roads by spectators and competitors for this year's event.
"We are therefore looking forward to continuing to develop the opportunities Wales Rally GB brings to Wales as a whole, as well as the local communities through which it passes."
The police again used a high number of mobile speed cameras on last weekend's event, an early reports suggest a significant drop in the number of offences committed.
"Obviously, we would like to see speeding on public roads eliminated completely for next year's event," added Coe. "Wales provides a fantastic venue for an exciting event and it is important, therefore, that everyone involved with Wales Rally GB, including our rally drivers, respect the communities through which the event passes."