Silverstone activates weather contingency plans

04/07/2007
NEWS STORY

Most of the UK has been affected by torrential rain in recent weeks and unfortunately Northamptonshire is no exception. The weather conditions have had an impact on towns and events throughout the country and, due to the unpredictable and evolving forecast, Silverstone has activated a series of contingency plans to minimise the disruption for fans heading to the British Grand Prix this weekend.

During the build up to the event Silverstone has been working closely with the Highways Agency, Police and other agencies, to monitor the conditions and prepare for any weather related eventualities that could have an impact on the circuit's infrastructure, including the car parks and traffic management system.

As a result of the recent weather Silverstone has drafted in additional resource in the way of manpower and temporary roadways to strengthen its existing car parking facilities, including the circuit's own hard standing car parks which can accommodate up to 10,000 vehicles on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

In addition to bolstering its own facilities, circuit bosses are also working with the police and other agencies to monitor the situation with local campsites, which are privately owned and operated independently.

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, commented, "The recent weather conditions have affected the entire country. Whole sections of the UK are under water; Wimbledon looks set to go into a third week; and the Royal Show at Stoneleigh Park has been forced to finish a day early. We've been keeping a close eye on the weather and have now actioned a number of contingency plans to minimise disruption to the fans and ensure that the customer experience is not compromised."

Circuit bosses are also appealing for patience and co-operation from race-goers, and have passed on the following advice for anyone heading to the Northamptonshire circuit this weekend:

Please do not arrive on site unless you have a car park pass and an event ticket.

Spectators will not be able to park at the circuit with a Park and Ride pass. If you have a Park and Ride Pass it is only valid for the Park and Ride service.

Please allow extra time for entry to the circuit and be prepared for minor disruptions.

For traffic and weather updates, as well as event news, please tune into Silverstone Radio which is broadcast on 87.7 FM - 24 hours a day from 10:00hrs Thursday to 20:00hrs on Sunday.

Please use Public Transport where possible – Megabus are operating a coach service from Milton Keynes Central train station; Stagecoach a service from Northampton train station - for further information click here

If feasible, please share a car with friends/neighbours who may be travelling from the same area.

If camping, please check with your campsite operator as they may have specific instructions in light of the recent rainfall.

Phillips added, "The facilities at Silverstone have improved beyond recognition in recent years. Our vastly improved road infrastructure, British Grand Prix traffic management system and hard standing car parks have seen Silverstone become one of the easiest F1 circuits in the world to get in and out of. The enjoyment of our spectators is of paramount importance and we are doing everything possible to minimise the effect of the current weather conditions.

"We have contacted the majority of ticket holders, advising them of the current situation, and would like to thank them in advance for their co-operation ahead of what looks set to be one of the most exciting British Grand Prix in recent years."