PSNI warning to boy racers around upcoming Ulster Grand Prix

The PSNI have warned motorcycle enthusiasts not to try and emulate their Ulster Grand Prix heroes, as the race approaches this month.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Aug 2016, 12:34 BST
Updated 1st Aug 2016, 13:35 BST

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Peter Hickman leads Michael Dunlop and Conor Cummins in the Superbike class at the 2015 Ulster Grand Prix.Peter Hickman leads Michael Dunlop and Conor Cummins in the Superbike class at the 2015 Ulster Grand Prix.
Peter Hickman leads Michael Dunlop and Conor Cummins in the Superbike class at the 2015 Ulster Grand Prix.

In a statement appealing for safety on the roads, superintendent Sean Wright – himself a motorbike rider – stressed that anyone riding in an erratic fashion will get in trouble.

In addition, the PSNI also listed the timing of a number of the anticipated road closures in the area from August 10 onwards.

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The Grand Prix describes itself as “the world’s fastest road race”.

Lee Johnston (East Coast Construction Triumph) leads Glenn Irwin (Gearlink Kawasaki) and Ian Hutchinson (Team Traction Control Yamaha) at Quarry Bends during the second Supersport race at a previous Ulster Grand Prix.Lee Johnston (East Coast Construction Triumph) leads Glenn Irwin (Gearlink Kawasaki) and Ian Hutchinson (Team Traction Control Yamaha) at Quarry Bends during the second Supersport race at a previous Ulster Grand Prix.
Lee Johnston (East Coast Construction Triumph) leads Glenn Irwin (Gearlink Kawasaki) and Ian Hutchinson (Team Traction Control Yamaha) at Quarry Bends during the second Supersport race at a previous Ulster Grand Prix.

The Dundrod 150 race, part of the Grand Prix, runs on August 11.

The Grand Prix proper runs on August 13.

They use the same course, based around the rural area around village of Dundrod, to the west of Belfast.

Superintendent Wright, the district commander for Lisburn and Castlereagh City, said: “Emulating your favourite professional racer on public roads will at the least get you into trouble with police.

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Lee Johnston (East Coast Construction Triumph) leads Glenn Irwin (Gearlink Kawasaki) and Ian Hutchinson (Team Traction Control Yamaha) at Quarry Bends during the second Supersport race at a previous Ulster Grand Prix.Lee Johnston (East Coast Construction Triumph) leads Glenn Irwin (Gearlink Kawasaki) and Ian Hutchinson (Team Traction Control Yamaha) at Quarry Bends during the second Supersport race at a previous Ulster Grand Prix.
Lee Johnston (East Coast Construction Triumph) leads Glenn Irwin (Gearlink Kawasaki) and Ian Hutchinson (Team Traction Control Yamaha) at Quarry Bends during the second Supersport race at a previous Ulster Grand Prix.

“At most, you could be involved in a fatal collision. Three riders have died in motorcycle collisions in Northern Ireland this year and I make a heartfelt plea to all bikers.

“If you are coming to Dundrod, ride with safety in mind, stay within the speed limits and ride steady.

“Anyone seen riding in an erratic or dangerous fashion will be stopped by police.

“In addition, we are reminding all drivers that they need to be aware of greater numbers of motorcyclists using the road network, particularly when emerging from and turning into junctions.”

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“Police will continue to robustly enforce road safety during the event to keep people safe.”

He also advised those coming to camp at the Grand Prix to keep their belongings secure – especially if they are camping.

He also said police will have a stand at the Grand Prix “where we can breath-test fans to show them how little alcohol it takes to take them over the legal limit – this I imagine will be an eye-opener for some”.

Road closure times are expected to be as follows:

Wednesday, August 10: 10am to 9.30pm.

Thursday, August 11: 10.30am – 9.30pm.

Saturday, August 13: 9.30am to 8.30pm.

The main roads affected are: Hannahstown Road, Rock Road, Leathemstown Road, Quarterland Road, Tornagrough Road, and Upper Springfield Road.

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Others include Rushyhill Road, Budore Road, Glenside Road, Ballycolin Road, Tullyrusk Road, Cochranestown Road, and Sycamore Road Fort Road.

A map of the course is available here.

It is understood that a list of all roads affected will be placed on PSNI Lisburn’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

The PSNI added that “if practice or racing has concluded prior to the road opening times, then the roads will be opened up to the public straight away”.

Diversions will sign-posted.

Related topics:PSNIPolice