Somerset Stages 2012

**anstis** · 1st Jun 12, 01:32

ok that might explain it. cheers Jan. I know of a few spectator restrictions here where a stage is run through forestry, but generally most are held on public roads so spectating is basically free. Maybe we're lucky!

**MrJan** · 1st Jun 12, 12:37

Originally Posted by anstis

ok that might explain it. cheers Jan. I know of a few spectator restrictions here where a stage is run through forestry, but generally most are held on public roads so spectating is basically free. Maybe we're lucky!

Motorsport on public roads in the mainland UK requires an act of parliament to close the road. As it's so involved it never happens, in fact there is only one rally I'm aware of (the Jim Clark) that uses public roads

**Martin Liddle** · 8th Jun 12, 08:18

Originally Posted by anstis

I know of a few spectator restrictions here where a stage is run through forestry, but generally most are held on public roads so spectating is basically free. Maybe we're lucky!

There are a whole range of issues that force organisers to restrict spectators; the most common are lack of parking, access issues (eg narrow access road needs to be used by competitors), ecological issues (land owner doesn't want wild life or rare plants damaged by spectators), public relations issues (local residents will put up with the rally but don't want a crowd of spectators), land owner confidentiality (some land owners have activities on their land that they do want to disclose to the general public (e.g. Ministry of Defence, vehicle testing grounds)). It really is increasingly difficult to organise a rally in the UK.