Following the consultation process that invited responses and feedback from interested parties, the Department of Economic Development has decided not to request the proposed additional road closure for a TT Races practice on Thursday 30 May or Friday 31 May 2014.
The process was initiated by ACU Events Ltd (ACUE), the race organiser for the TT Races, and the Department duly invited comment from parties that would be affected by the proposed additional closure.
Having received detailed feedback from parties including schools, religious organisations and local businesses, the Department and the ACU Events Ltd team have confirmed that they will operate the practice and qualifying sessions under the same structure as the 2013 TT Race meeting. This means that roads will close as usual from 6pm to no later than 9.30pm from Saturday 24 May to Friday 30 May inclusive.
The Department and ACUE will shortly be launching a similar consultation process for the first Classic TT Race day on Saturday 23 August as they are looking to assess the viability of an earlier road closure to accommodate the two scheduled Classic TT races as well as qualifying sessions for both the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix races to be held later in the week.
David Cretney MHK, Political Member for Tourism and Motorsport commented:
‘It was really important that we sought and listened to the opinions of local residents, businesses and other relevant groups before we implemented any changes to the qualifying schedule as we rely hugely on their goodwill to run the TT Races.
He continued:
‘We looked very carefully at the responses and while there were a majority of respondents in support of the proposal it was decided that the additional practice session would not be pursued at this time. We are conscious of the need to keep disruption to the public and business to a minimum and remain very grateful for the support that we receive from the local community in running the races.’
