TEMPORARY CONTRAFLOW AT SILVERSTONE

Following the announcement that a new pit and paddock complex at Silverstone have been approved by Aylesbury Vale District Council, the British Racing Drivers’ Club, and the UK Highways Agency have warned drivers to expect long delays over the weekend of 4-6 July whilst essential resurfacing work is carried out.

In the wake of vociferous complaints from various teams expecting to compete at the British Grand Prix that weekend, the Highways Agency spokesman responded with a plea for understanding.

He said, "We always receive complaints that we pick bank holidays to carry out maintenance, so we deliberately picked a weekend that wouldn’t coincide with the public heading out to the country for a few days. This date had been chosen 18 months ago, and the amount of planning that has gone into it means that we cannot just change it, regardless of other events that have been organised since."

Any racing drivers breaking down on the circuit are being advised to stay in their vehicles and phone for help, while temporary speed cameras will be in operation while the contraflow is in place. A spokesman for the Highways Agency added, "We have to balance the needs of drivers at Silverstone with those of pedestrians and cyclists. That is why we are installing speed humps, traffic calming bollards, a pelican crossing and a number of mini-roundabouts."’ (Source: News Biscuit, Jun/08)