ACU cancels permits ahead of new COVID-19 national lockdown

The ACU – the UK’s governing body for motorsport – has cancelled all permits in advance of the latest Government lockdown to try and halt the spread of COVID-19. Here’s the official statement.

‘Covid-19 infections are rapidly increasing across the whole of the UK and in other countries. Listening to the Scientific evidence, the infection rate is doubling every nine days. As such, the UK Government has ordered a second national lockdown for England which will take effect from Thursday 5^thNovember until 2^nd December.

So, in terms of motorcycle sport, where does that leave us? The answer is straight forward with no ambiguity. For the period of the national lockdown, all ACU activity in England which includes competition, practice or training should not take place. Any ACU permit issued for activity to take place during this period is cancelled.

Everyone must do their bit to act now to help in controlling the spread of the virus. The single most important action we can all take, in fighting coronavirus, is to stay at home, to protect the NHS and save lives.
From Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December, the Government is taking the following action:

• Requiring people to stay at home, except for specific purposes.
• Preventing gathering with people you do not live with, except for specific purposes.
• Closing certain businesses and venues.

Until Thursday 5 November, the relevant local Covid alert measures will continue to apply in the area where you live. Then from Thursday 5^th November, the new measures will apply nationally for four weeks up to Wednesday 2 December. At the end of that period, the UK Government will look to return to a regional approach, based on the latest data.
For those living in Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands you will be required to follow the guidance/advice/rules issued by your devolved governments and as such ACU/SACU permits issued for events to take place in those areas will apply as per the local rules.

Roy Humphrey, ACU Chairman commented ‘We live in an ever-changing situation and it is important that we all keep up to date with Government guidance / advice. The latest announcement made by the Prime Minister was expected, so we need to adhere to what has been said. I want to thank all our Organisers for their efforts, their flexibility and their adherence to UK Government and Covid advice issued by their Local Administrations. Let’s see what happens in a month!’