ACU Press Release 17 May 2005

INDUSTRY WINS REPRIEVE FROM DEFRA

Neil Hellings, Chief Executive of the Auto Cycle Union Ltd (ACU) is pleased to announce the success which has been achieved over the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) subsidy issued to farmers by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Since the guidelines for SPS were issued by DEFRA at the end March stating that ‘motorsport was inconsistent with the land being considered as remaining in agricultural use’ therefore, would not allow our sport to take place if the farmer was claiming the subsidy. With this sweeping statement being made many farmers were understandably unwilling to risk their subsidy and forced to withdraw permission for clubs to use the land, although in many cases the clubs themselves raised the awareness of this clause. The result lead to hundreds of off-road motorsport events being cancelled and many more threatened with cancellation, some of which may have been taking place for over 60 years and included the farmer/landowner themselves competing.

The industry as a whole has been working furiously over the past few weeks, attempting to resolve this issue or at least earn a reprieve, whilst the issue was discussed with DEFRA. The ACU and it’s 4 wheel counterpart, Motor Sport Association (MSA) are aware of the tireless campaigning to the many local MP’s of Clubs, all of which has helped reverse this unintended ‘ban’ so quickly.

It is now the intention of the motoring organisations Land Access & Recreation Association (LARA), of which both the MSA and ACU are members, to sit down to discuss and enlighten DEFRA on the effort put in to protect the land used at these events. With the aim of keeping as much motorsport as possible within Section B of the current guidelines, ‘28 days permissible activity’.

Mr Hellings said “Although this is a great weight off the shoulders of motorsport, we cannot be complacent and must continue to push for sensible discussion with DEFRA and stabilise the future for off-road motorsport.

I’m saddened for the clubs who were forced to cancel their events and to the charities that would have benefited from donations, as many events play an important part in the local community’s calendar.

Over the coming months, the ACU and it’s Club’s, need to make the correct bodies/individuals aware of the excellent work put in by thousands of volunteers and of the impact any such ‘ban’ will have. If possible, I urge Club’s too invite their local MP to events, to witness the responsibility of competitors and the care taken to protect the land. Perhaps invite them to present the monies too local charities or consider working with the local Police to tackle the problem of illegal and illicit riding.”

The ACU wishes to record it’s gratitude to Alan Kind of LARA who has worked tirelessly in preparing a legal challenge. Ian Williamson of the Historic Motorsport Show is also thanked for his huge effort in drawing up a comprehensive economic impact paper.
“These are but two of the individuals who have fought for our sport, to the countless others I say ‘Thank You’.” added Mr Hellings.

For further information on this press release please contact Brian George, ACU Press Officer 01788 566428 or via e-mail brian@acu.org.uk .