FOOT AND MOUTH – MOTORSPORT UPDATE

With recent outbreaks of Foot & Mouth Disease almost entirely confined to the three most heavily infected areas (Devon, Wales/West Midlands and North England/Scottish Borders), Motor Sports Association has decided to simplify its restrictions and allow some additional events.

In line with current information available from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food (MAFF), MSA has classified all parts of the country as either "Infected Areas" or "Non-Infected Areas".

In any INFECTED AREA (and in any National Park), MSA policy remains unchanged. Permits will be issued only for events taking place wholly within permanent venues (including races, hillclimbs, sprints, rallycross, single-venue rallies, etc)  and for autotests on asphalt surfaces in urban areas or at licensed motor sport venues.

In any NON-INFECTED AREA, however, almost any event (including all those allowed in Infected Areas) will now be authorised, on condition that National Farmers' Union and MAFF guidance is sought and implemented; that it does not take place on agricultural land where livestock is or has been kept; and that written permission is obtained from the landowner.

The following events will not be authorised:
Road rallies (including navigation events, scatters and treasure hunts), because these use minor or unsurfaced highways, cover relatively large distances and require organisers to personally visit residents, many of whom will be farmers.
Classic Trials, because these use unsurfaced highways, many of which remain closed and which often pass through agricultural land.

The running of major special stage rallies continues to depend on the availability of large landholdings, such as those controlled by the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Defence. In this respect, MSA welcomes the decision by The Forestry Commission to allow the Autospares Dukeries Rally to take place in Clipstone Forest on 23 June. This will be the first forest event held since the outbreak of the disease in February.

MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton said: "We continue to adapt our policy in light of the latest Government advice and the fact that so many infected areas have recently been removed.  By taking every precaution, we believe that our new policy will permit a significant number of additional events to take place without serious risk of spreading the infection."

This extract was received via Andy Elcomb.
Many thanks, Andy - Ed.
 
 

The Acorn : June Edition