Organisers say there were far fewer traffic problems this year

The organisers of the Wales Rally GB say there is "no question" of the event being threatened by a police campaign against speeding.

The sport's ruling body, F�d�ration Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), has asked for a report on whether Welsh roads are "suitable" for a world championship event.

That followed fines and bans imposed by Neath magistrates on 17 rally drivers caught speeding between events.

But Andrew Coe, chief executive of Rally GB Ltd, said the FIA had given it an assurance that it was "delighted with the quality of the organisation of the event in Wales".

It is important that everyone involved with Wales Rally GB, including our rally drivers, respects the communities through which the event passes Andrew Coe, Rally GB Ltd

Mr Coe said: "We are therefore looking forward to continuing to develop the opportunities Wales Rally GB brings to Wales as a whole, as well as the local communities through which it passes.

"The warm welcome that we have received means that we will be in Wales for the long term."

The rally, which finished in Margam Park last weekend, generates �15m annually for the nation's economy.

'Shakedown section'

Neath magistrates heard on Monday that most of the drivers were caught by one trap set up between rally headquarters and a testing area known as the "shakedown section".

The FIA said later that the response by police and the courts suggested it was an "exceptionally dangerous" place for a rally.

A number of fans were also caught speeding by cameras.

But Rally GB Ltd said its confidence in the rally returning to Wales was reinforced by reports from police and speed camera operators on how spectators and competitors had used public roads during this year's event.

Mr Coe said it had seen the rally's lowest number of traffic problems.

"We believe this was achieved through constant communication throughout the year with the teams and spectators about the importance of respecting speed limits and taking care when driving through the local villages and towns, as well as from the support and co-operation of the police and other public bodies," he said.

Rally GB Ltd said the high number of drivers caught speeding last year was a "blip".

"Obviously, we would like to see speeding on public roads eliminated completely for next year's event", said Mr Coe.