Dickson gives support to contingency measures for road races

Alliance Regional Development spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has written to the Department for Regional Development indicating the Alliance Party’s support for the proposed Road Races Amendment Bill. The legislation would allow the organisers of road races such as the North West 200 and the Ulster Grand Prix, to specify contingency days in the event of unsuitable weather conditions.

Stewart Dickson MLA said: “Given the economic contribution of races such as the North West 200, the Ulster Grand Prix and the Circuit of Ireland rally, we need to ensure that these events are not adversely affected by the threat of bad weather.

“Giving race organisers extra flexibility should hopefully avoid situations where races are not completed due to heavy rain, something that happened at this year’s North West 200.

“However, we would want to limit the disruption to the local community and so these contingency days should be limited to either the day before or the day after the initial date for the event.

“I hope that these changes will ensure that all these races are able to take place and will prevent disappointment for the thousands of spectators if the event is cancelled.”

ENDS