Strong local opposition to Formula E’s use of Battersea Park as a race venue looks likely to shelve the event, despite plans to address concerns.

An article published today in local newspaper the Wandsworth Guardian quotes a report into the impact of the 2015 Formula E event and alterations under consideration which could be adopted for future races. The article cites an online survey run by the local authority which has responsibility for the park; 62% of respondents do not want the race to be held there annually. That could be enough to convince the council to cancel forthcoming races.

Bringing a temporary race track to city streets in as congested a place as London is an extremely difficult task. Formula E organisers have pulled off quite a coup in bringing motor racing to the UK capital’s streets in the series’ first season, and the local council has benefited from the improvement works that Formula E has paid for, including resurfacing car parks.

Given the astonishing vehemence and vocal nature of local opposition to the race, however, as well as issues that the venue itself presented (a very narrow track; difficulty in siting grandstands due to trees; obscured visibility for audiences; disruption to park users during set up and break down; disruption to set up due to imposed limitations on working hours; impeded access around the track for event workers), it might be time to default to another location, one which would welcome the business opportunities brought by captive audiences. Perhaps a rotating five-year tour of UK cities could be considered. Cardiff, Edinburgh or Belfast: fancy a Formula E race?

The full report can be accessed here: Formula E Paper No. 15 – 445 445A or by using this link.

Fewer helicopters, quieter PA systems and tighter controls on lorries will be enforced should Formula E return to Battersea Park next year, a new report has said.

Wandsworth Council approved the electric car racing event for June 2015, as part of a five-year contract set to bring in £1m for park improvements.

On November 24, the council will have the first opportunity to operate a ‘break clause’ which would end the contract as the plans are discussed at its Overview and Scrutiny committee. The next opportunity would be in 2017.

The report details improvements that could be made in time for next year but also acknowledges several complaints from neighbours of the park, including continual helicopter noise, poor signposting, and that marshals were not all fully aware of which areas were open or closed.

The council is also seeking compensation after the bike hire facilities were closed for an extended period.

Five groups, The Battersea Park Formula E Action Group, the Warriner Gardens and Alexandra Avenue Residents, the Battersea Society, the Prince of Wales Drive Mansion Blocks and the Friends of Battersea Park, have urged the event be stopped.

The council’s online consultation found 62 per cent disagreed or strongly disagreed that the event should be held annually, as per the contract signed with Formula E.

The report accepts that there was a “sustained and vociferous” opposition to the event, with 400 residents making direct contact with the council and 2,576 signatories on an online petition by Save Battersea Park.

wandsworthguardian.co.uk