Agenda item

The Council will consider a motion, notice of which has been given by Councillor Bush, pursuant to Council Procedure Rule 12.

Councillor White had earlier in the meeting declared a personal non-pecuniary interest in this item insofar as the Rotary Club of Clacton-on-Sea (of which he was a member) had been asked by the Chelmsford Motor Club who were the organisers of the proposed motor rally event in the District to run the car park at West Road, Clacton-on-Sea for the weekend of April 21^st and 22^nd 2018.

During the consideration of this item Councillor Porter declared an interest in this item insofar as he was also a member of the Chelmsford Motor Club who were the organisers of the proposed motor rally event in the District.

Council had before it the following motion, notice of which had been given, pursuant to Council Procedure Rule 12, by Councillor Bush:-

“Motor rally sports events are recognised as perilous activities which continue to claim lives of both experienced and accomplished drivers and spectators, even with stringent safety and security measures in place. This is clearly evidenced with fatalities in UK organised events as recent as December 2017, the motor sports association (MSA) quoted “this is a stark reminder of the inherent danger in the sport we love”.

This Council demonstrates intolerance for speeding and advocates considerate safe driving in our towns and villages. To support staged road motor rally and unregulated high speed racing events in the Tendring District would conflict with the overarching ethos of this Council and expose the Tendring residents and spectators to unprecedented risks.

Many of the rural roads within the District are renowned accident blackspots experiencing far too many fatalities and serious collisions, these events could create a legacy of carnage in their wake and the probability of encouraging future adrenalin fuelled aspiring racers to test their racing skills with potential fatal consequences.

This motion to Council requests that the Leader of the Council informs as soon possible the respective motor racing associations and governing bodies and organisers and Essex County Council Highways Authority, that Tendring District Council DOES NOT support or endorse staged motor rally events on the roads throughout the Tendring District.”

Councillor Bush formally moved the motion and Councillor Bucke formally seconded the motion.

The Chairman informed Council that, pursuant to Council Procedure Rule 12.4, he would allow the motion to be dealt with at this meeting.

Councillor Bush then explained his motion.

Councillors Bucke, Griffiths, Calver, Davis, Stock, G V Guglielmi and Platt each addressed the Council on Councillor Bush’s motion.

Councillor Bucke asked that, in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 19.4, a record of the vote on Councillor Bush’s motion be taken.

Accordingly, the result of that vote was as follows:

Councillor Bush’s motion was thereupon declared LOST.