INTERVIEW
REGULATING NOISE TO MAINTAIN
POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS
.
Noise may well be an inevitable by-product
of motorsport, but that does not mean it can
be allowed to interfere with the lives of
nearby residents, and all circuits have a duty
to balance their operations with the interests
of the local communities within which they
operate. However, this is not as simple as
applying one-size-fits-all regulations to each
of the circuit operators across the UK.
“All circuits are unique in this respect, in
terms of their geography, proximity to local
villages etc, and as a result the restrictions
under which circuits operate vary from one
venue to the next,” says MSV, owner and
operator of five UK circuits. “The different cir-
cuits are restricted in different ways. At
Brands Hatch there is a restriction on the
number of days the Grand Prix circuit can be
used for racing each year, which serves to
make the use of the full circuit even more spe-
cial for drivers and fans alike.”
To minimise the impact of the noise cre-
ated as a direct result of on-track activities, an
inclusive approach has been adopted when
dealing with the issue. “At MSV we have
strived to engage with local communities,
involve them in the circuits, and provide lots
of clear information about what activities are
happening each day. In consultation with res-
idents, we adhere to self-imposed noise
management plans, as a result of which we
have a very positive relationship with local
communities.”
MSV also makes it as easy as possible for
residents to find out what to expect on any
given day. For instance, on a dedicated ‘Res-
idents’ section of the Brands Hatch website,
a colour coding system can be found, rating
each day’s activities as white, green, yellow,
orange, red or black. At the lower end of the
scale, “white” represents the days and
evenings when the circuit has only the qui-
etest activity taking place, of a similar level to
normal cars on the local roads, while at the
top end of the scale, “black” represents the
circuit’s noisiest activity, exceeding 118
dB(A), which is a rare occurrence. Car and
motorcycle test and race event days fall into
“orange”, which represents a 108 dB(A) limit,
and which is adopted by the Motor Sports
Association (MSA) and the Auto-Cycle Union
(ACU), who set the regulations governing all
UK car and motorcycle club racing.
Referring to the thought process behind
introducing the colour coding system, MSV
explains: “This is part of our engagement
with our local community. Communication
and transparency are important in noise man-
agement, and the website enables local res-
idents to know what is happening at Brands
Hatch on any given day.”
While it would be easy for a circuit opera-
tor to resent such noise regulation and the
effort associated with maintaining a positive
relationship with the local community, there
is certainly no sign of this fromMSV. The com-
pany instead takes a very pragmatic view.
“All circuits face their own unique chal-
lenges, but certainly noise is an issue that
requires effort and cooperation from all parts
of the industry.”
Adhering to noise
regulations and preserving
good relationships with
your neighbours is a key
part of the balancing act for
race circuit operators.
MSD
sat down with
MotorSport Vision (MSV)
to find out more.
MotorsportDays.com
MOTORSPORT DAYS ANNUAL
11
Communication
and transparency
are important
in noise
management
“
”
