I live less than half a mile from Oulton Park and believe me, the issue relating to noise are not simple. One the one hand circuit owners need are there to make a profit and maximise their return on expensive infrastructure that needs to meet ever increasing regulatory requirements.
Against this, there are residents who have a right to be inconvenienced as little as possible by noise, traffic and congestion.
From a personal perspective, the noise can be a pain, particularly depending on wind direction. At almost all race events, a rally 'school' is in operation and the constant screeching of tyres is plainly audible.
The most inconvenient events are the large popular events particularly Touring Cars when the roads are absolutely congested with idiots. The worst are the Superbike meetings where the noise is high and the behaviour of the spectating riders on the road is utterly dangerous and foul mouthed. I've been f'd and blinded at by middle aged 'road warriors' who block the roads completely as they try to muscle their way through.
So, as a ex-motorcycle rider who has owned a Vincent, Super Rocket and last bike was a Ducati 851 Quattrovalvole Superbike Tricolore, raced years ago an Aermacchi 250 and have raced and sprinted on Britain's tracks and circuits, where do I stand?
The existing planning system, if properly managed by the local authority, not mercilessly ignored by the owners and with the involvement of an informed and effective residents/circuit liaison committee can work well for all parties.
Next time, you visit a circuit, have to follow route signs, suffer congestion or police instructions, give a thought to the people who also live there.
Finally, MSV, owned by Jonathan Palmer is an enlightened operator who understands the challenges. I get a free residents pass and when the events are of interest such as the Gold Cup, etc, I'll wander up.
BTW, Petition signed!
Really good to read and hear the 'other' side of the debate, well put and interesting to read. You make some very good and thought provoking points, so easy to jump on band wagons without knowing the other side of the debate. Thank you.
