Click here to search commentonline

Race Organiser's Protest Rejoinder

Having read the advice from ACRE regarding the legal action that it advises people can take to protest about the event road closures, I would appreciate the following being added to this information which will give individuals a fuller appreciation of what they must consider.  

ACRE's guide refers to the legality of using the road, what I must point out is that individuals must also consider the safety implications of using the sections of road closed for the cycle event. 

 Individuals have a duty of care to ensure that their actions do not put themselves or others at risk.  This is the criteria (sic) that any action would be judged on should it lead to an incident, not simply whether the presence on the road was legal.   While a farmer may feel that he can legally drive sheep along the road, to do so knowing that a cycle event was taking place would be unsafe and would make him liable for the potential consequences that result from this decision.  This applies to all the areas that ACRE refer to and we would urge those who feel they want to make their feelings known do so without using the cycle route to ensure everyone's safety is protected.  

The reason that the roads are closed is for safety and the Etape Caledonia is committed to its ongoing efforts to maintain the safety of everyone in Highland Perthshire on Sunday.

Kevin Stewart - Event Director