Rally GB future secure

On Monday, 17 drivers were punished in Neath Magistrates Court after cameras caught them speeding on a stretch of road near to the shakedown stage on the 2002 event. Over 2,000 spectators were also caught speeding by cameras during the running of the event.

Reacting to the Court's rulings the sport's governing body, the FIA, commissioned a report on whether south Wales was a suitable location for the event, stating "the actions of the police and magistrates seem to indicate that this is an exceptionally dangerous location for a rally."

But in a statement Andrew Coe, the Chief Executive of Rally GB Limited, said: "The FIA has today [Wednesday] given us a clear assurance that it is delighted with the quality of the organisation of the event in Wales, and this confidence is reinforced by early reports from the police and Safety Camera Partnership regarding the use of the public roads by spectators and competitors for this year's event.

"We are therefore looking forward to continuing to develop the opportunities Wales Rally GB brings to Wales as a whole, as well as the local communities through which it passes."

Mobile speed cameras were again in place for last weekend's event, with early reports from the police and Safety Camera Partnership suggesting a significant drop in the number of offences committed.

"Obviously, we would like to see speeding on public roads eliminated completely for next year's event," said Coe. "Wales provides a fantastic venue for an exciting event and it is important, therefore, that everyone involved with Wales Rally GB, including our rally drivers, respect the communities through which the event passes."