Police will no longer be stationed on the circuit

Mike Culverhouse said he was concerned about his officers' safety following changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The changes have already taken effect in this year's Manx Karting Festival and the Southern 100 races.

Neil Hanson, clerk of the course for TT and Manx Grand Prix said he regretted the changes, but understood the reason.

Mr Culverhouse said the force was still committed to supporting racing on the island.

But he said the constabulary had three key roles when races took place: road closures and openings and crossing points; investigating fatal crashes; and responding to calls for help from the event organisers.

He said officers would not be placed on fixed points on the race courses, but " a cadre of officers will be deployed at a variety of strategic points around the island from where they will provide a speedy and effective response".

'Staff safety'

Mr Culverhouse added: "I have a clear responsibility to protect the health and safety of my staff and this is a responsibility that I take very seriously.

"In making the changes of the kind outlined here, I am seeking to strike a suitable balance between that responsibility and the need to ensure that important events such as the TT continue to thrive."

Mr Hanson said he welcomed the positive way the police had carried out their policy review.

"While naturally regretting the fact that the valuable assistance previously provided by police officers on the TT course during practicing and racing will no longer be available, I fully understand the necessity for the chief constable's decision," he added.