Future of motoring events on Madeira Drive in doubt

Uncertainty now surrounds 100-year-old traditions which take place in Brighton’s Madeira Drive, such as the Speed Trials, after city leaders failed to give them “unequivocal support” amid road closures.

The seafront road is closed in light of the coronavirus crisis to provide more space for people to walk and cycle.

A decision about whether to keep it closed is expected today amid moves towards pedestrianising the city centre.

At a meeting last week, questions were asked about what this meant for the annual world-renowned motoring events hosted in Madeira Drive.

Each year, the council grants permission for the events to use the road.

Councillor Carmen Appich is Brighton and Hove City Council’s chairwoman of tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee. She did not give “unequivocal support” for the events when asked to do so by opposition councillor Robert Nemeth.

When The Argus asked Cllr Appich to clarify why “unequivocal support” was not given, she said: “We will continue to listen to residents, businesses and events organisers about vehicle access to Madeira Drive and will shortly be launching an online survey where people can do just that.

“Temporarily closing the road has allowed cyclists and pedestrians to exercise safely and we have received a lot of positive feedback.”

Cllr Nemeth later said: “To even suggest an attack on some of the world’s oldest and most-loved historic motoring events shows a complete misunderstanding of both the economy and the wishes of residents.

"When businesses are already struggling, the last thing that should be launched is an attack on hotels, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and other attractions on the seafront.”

Among the events held on the road is the Brighton Speed Trials, widely considered to be one of the oldest motoring events in the world.

The first race was held in 1905 after Sir Harry Preston persuaded the council to tarmac the surface of the road between the Palace Pier and Black Rock so motoring events could be held.

Brighton Speed Trials even pre-dates the name Madeira Drive, which the stretch of road was renamed in 1909.

Madeira Drive also plays host to the Brighton Mod Weekender, a celebration of mod culture.

Each year, hundreds of mods park their Vespas and Lambrettas outside the Volk’s nightclub in Madeira Drive, made famous in the film Quadrophenia.

The Southcoast Mods said of the closure: “We think it’s disgusting, we all pay road tax and the amount of business (the Brighton Mod Weekender) brings on the bank holiday is out of this world.

“You try find a hotel – all the venues are packed solid – there’s up to 5,000 scooters plus people on foot.”

A Mini Convention, VW event and London to Brightob Veteran Car Run are among many other events also held on the road.

The current closure has been met with enthusiasm from many residents. Madeira Drive has been car free for nearly two months and many are keen for the scheme to be extended. A poll by The Argus revealed 60 per cent of readers surveyed wanted the road to remain closed once lockdown is lifted.

Environmental campaigner Chris Todd questioned whether Madeira Drive was the right place for the events.

He said: “I think people are realising that we don’t have to keep using public space in the way that we have, which has meant squeezing people walking and cycling to the margins.

"Evidence shows that places with less traffic can be far nicer and more successful places. Any sensible authority would be keeping its options open at this moment in time.

"That doesn’t mean these events can’t necessarily happen but is Madeira Drive the right place for them, that is the question.

“This road is an important link to the marina and with the ambitions to redevelop Black Rock I can understand the council is being cautious about making promises it may not be able to keep.”

However Jax Atkins, who was behind a campaign to save the Madeira Terrace Arches, is furious the future of historic events has been cast into doubt.

She said: “It’s terrible, I can’t believe it. It is the right place for them and, in fact, it’s the perfect place for them.

“I think that if they decide that the events can’t take place then the arches will go to the bottom of the list and be forgotten about.”