People 'incensed' over TT change

The planned early practice sessions for the new "green TT" has incensed many people on the Isle of Man, a senior race marshal has admitted.

The Mountain Road is to close at 1600 BST - an hour earlier - for four days from 2 June to give TTXGP riders time to get used to the course.

It means workers will be forced to take alternative routes home.

"It will be the marshals that get it in the neck," said Terry Holmes, assistant chairman of the marshals association.

In previous years, the Mountain Road closed at 1700 BST and the rest of the course 1800 BST, which allowed most people to get home before the sessions.

It's incensed a lot of people, quite rightly so really Terry Holmes, Marshals Association

The government said the inconvenience was needed to facilitate the "pioneering and groundbreaking" event.

Although the Isle of Man TT Marshals Association supports the race, in a statement it said members had reservations about the early closures and possible repercussions.

Speaking ahead of a meeting on Wednesday night, Mr Holmes said the new timings might mean the association struggles to attract the required 506 marshals for the TT.

Government meeting

"It's incensed a lot of people, quite rightly so really," he told the BBC.

"People who aren't interested in the racing just want to get home from work and often the poor old marshals are the first point of contact.

"A normal marshal now, if they do practice and TT, is doing approximately 50 to 60 hours and that's all voluntary. And now you're asking them to do more? And also interfering with their work patterns.

"We'll have marshals that won't be able to get off work early and they'll be caught up in that tailback trying to get to the course."

Mr Holmes said the association was meeting government officials on Friday to discuss the issue, when they are expected to press for a compromise.

But Mr Holmes said he did not expect the road closures to go ahead at 1600 BST as planned.

"I can't see it happening personally. I can't speak for all the directors but my own personal view is that it won't happen," he added.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version