More than 8,000 people sign petition to save Brighton Speed Trials

More than 8,200 people have signed an official online petition to save the Brighton Speed Trials in less than a fortnight.

The epetition was started by Ruth Reynolds, of Brighton and Hove Motor Club, which runs the speed trials in Madeira Drive, Brighton, each September.

Club members are worried about the future of the event.

Brighton and Hove City Council has not yet decided whether to given permission for the trials to be held this year.

Last year the event was cancelled after the death of 38-year-old Charlotte Tagg while she was taking part in the trials in September 2012.

An inquest has since ruled that her death was an accident.

Conservative councillor Ken Norman spoke out on the subject along with Tony Watts, from the motor club, at the last council meeting before Christmas. Some Green councillors expressed reservations.

The epetition says: “The Speed Trials is part of Brighton’s heritage having run in the area since 1905.

“Thousands of people come down to the seafront for an entertaining fun-packed day out for the whole family to watch race cars and motor bikes compete along Madeira Drive.

“The event has grown over the years and now even enjoys international acclaim.

“It has the full support and backing of the Motorsport Association and adheres to their strict rules of safety.

“The end of the Speed Trials will be the end of an era for Brighton.

“It will have a major negative financial impact on tourism and trade in the area and mean the loss of one of the highlights on Brighton’s seafront entertainment calendar.

“Please sign the petition and help keep the Speed Trials going.

“A decision will be made by the council’s Economic Development and Culture Committee at a meeting on (Thursday) 23 January 2014.”