So you have just had a PR leaflet delivered to you, and you want to know a little more about this Swan Rally thing. Hopefully your question will be answered below; if not, please feel free to email us or call the PR coordinator on 0870 209 2004 (national call rate).
What is a rally?
A rally is a test of the ability of the crew (driver and navigator) to work together to follow a set route within a given time scale. It helps to improve teamwork, accuracy and decision-making. The aim is to get through a series of control points following the route instructions. The events normally take place on public roads at night.
Why at night?
In order to minimise the disruption to other traffic, disturbance to householders along the route, and because there is less other traffic (including horses and pedestrians); headlights make what there is more obvious. The vast majority of people just sleep right through the event.
Is it legal?
Of course it is, events using the public highway are subject to strict controls and regulations contained in The Motor Vehicle Competitions and Trials Regulations which is part of The Road Traffic Act. The event is also authorised by the MSA (see below). On the public highway, competing cars are subject to the same laws as other motorists.
How often would an event happen?
Not usually more than once or twice a year. The MSA has a strict quota system whereby road usage is controlled to limit any impact.
What about insurance?
Both the cars taking part and the organisers of the event have policies giving the relevant cover required by law and the MSA.
What is the Police permit number for the event?
The police do not issue permits for events such as this; in effect this responsibility is delegated to the MSA (see below). The MSA have issued permits numbers 22858 and 22859 for this event.
The MSA (Motor Sports Association) is the governing body for motorsport in the UK. Windsor Car Club, Craven Motor Club and High Wycombe and District Motor Club are all recognised by the MSA for organising this kind of event. More information can be found on the MSA web site at http://www.msauk.org. The MSA liaise with the Police and the event organisers to ensure that the event is run in accordance with all applicable rules.
How fast will the cars be going?
The required maximum average speed is 30mph where permitted. Vehicles start at 1 minute intervals so cannot follow the car in front. They should sound no different to normal traffic.
Why is a club based in Windsor/High Wycombe/Reading running an event in my area?
Most car clubs run events in a fairly large area, and Windsor Car Club, High Wycombe and District Motor Club and Craven Motor Club are no exception. We try to keep the event as local as possible as it makes organisation easier but the built up nature of the 'home' area means that we have to travel some distance to find suitable roads. The Swan Rally tends to move the area it runs in each year, in 2003 it was in Hertfordshire, 2002 it was in the Chilterns and 2000 it was in Hampshire.
What are the cars like?
Generally they are standard road cars which are lovingly maintained and cared for by their owners. They are subject to a detailed scrutiny before being allowed to take part and any which are considered not up to standard or excessively noisy would not be allowed to start.
Would I recognise them?
They will all be carrying numbers so that the marshals can identify them easily.
That doesn't sound too difficult?
It isn't difficult to maintain 30mph whilst you are on the correct route, a rally also tests navigational skills.
That all sounds a bit boring really.
No more so than fishing or cricket! It can be very satisfying.
Can anyone take part?
You have to be a member of a club recognised by the MSA, and the driver must have a valid UK driving license. The navigator must be over 12. For anyone under 18 a parent or guardian's permission is needed.
OK then, how can I get spectator information?
The organisers do not allow the route to be divulged before hand. This adds to the skill required. As a result no spectator information is issued.
OK then, how do I get involved?
Either by entering or marshalling.
Marshalling?
Yes, check points are set up along the route to make sure that cars are sticking to their 30mph average speed. These need people to run them. If you are interested in marsalling, please email us!
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| Last updated: Tuesday 20th January 2004 00:00. |