Consultation attracts just five comments in support of TT changes

Results published a year after feedback sought from public

A consultation on proposed changes to the TT schedule from 2023 received just five comments in support of the plans.

Concern over the demands on marshals, how it will affect other racing events and the impact on local residents were among the issues raised.

The public consultation took place last year but the results have only been published this week in response to a Freedom of Information request.

A total of 37 responses were received - 19 from Manx residents and 18 from those who live elsewhere, with just five indicating they would be in favour of the changes.

Among those to comment against the plans one, UK-based, marshal said they believed the changes were being driven by a TV audience while another said the new schedule would be 'too pressured'.

A Lonan resident described the proposals as 'driven by greed', while another local claimed adding an extra days racing to the schedule is 'absolutely stupid', and an individual from Willaston said it gave no thought to parents who would have to sort out childcare.

Just one business responded to the consultation stating the increased focus on racing at the weekend would be a 'total disaster' for trade.

Another Manx resident simply said 'stop putting the TT ahead of everything else', while a further local claims 'the proposals are only catering to the TT fans, not to the average person who lives on the Island'.

However, one local marshal did comment in support believing the new schedule would mean shorter days for marshals, something they welcomed, while a former racer based in the UK said they were broadly supportive of the plans.

Several respondents criticised the lack of consultation with marshals while others were worried about how this will affect non-racing events like Peel Day and the Ramsey Sprint.

The proposals include racing on Mad Sunday and moving the Senior Race from Friday to Saturday.

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan recently confirmed a further public consultation will take place before the final schedule is published - that consultation is due to open this week.