Brighton Speed Trials get the go ahead

The Brighton Speed Trials will go ahead, organisers have confirmed.

At a meeting last night, Brighton and Hove City Council's Economic Development and Culture Committee voted unanimously to allow the event to continue. This year’s Brighton Speed Trials will be held on 6 September.

Last month, Brighton and Hove City Council revealed plans to call an end to the Speed Trials, Britain’s longest-running motorsport event, due to safety concerns after the death of a competitor in 2012.

An online petition generated more than 12,400 signatures, with many more supporters taking to Facebook and Twitter.

Tony Watts of Brighton and Hove Motor Club, the event organiser, said: “This is a major victory not just for the club but for the heritage of Brighton, its residents and businesses and the history of motorsport. 

“We couldn’t have achieved this without the overwhelming support we have received and want to thank everyone who helped by signing the petition, spreading the word online and writing letters to the council and the local paper.

“The council has listened to its constituents and acted in the best democratic interest of the City of Brighton and Hove. We are thrilled to be able to now start the planning of the 2014 Brighton Speed Trials and the subsequent two years' events. With the support we have had this year, it promises to be the best Speed Trials yet.”