Meridian Brighton Speed Trials

Hundreds of drivers and motorcyclists have gathered in Brighton for the National Speed Trials. Described as one of the biggest days on the motorsport calendar, competitors attempt to break previous speed records as they drive down a section of the seafront. Andrea Thomas has been speaking to spectators and racing driver Freddie Hunt.

Entry is now open for the annual Brighton Speed Trial.

Over 200 cars and bikes will line up on the seafront and compete to find the fastest in their class.

It was feared this years event would be scrapped until a 12,000 strong petition was handed in.

The trials have been running in Brighton since 1905.

The historic speed trials event which has been held in Brighton since 1905 has been saved.

There was an unanimous vote at a meeting held last night, with 12,500 people signing THE petition to save it.

The next speed trials will take place in September.

Brighton Speed trials have been saved in a vote by Brighton & Hove City Council. The annual motoring event along the seaside was placed under threat because of safety fears.

However supporters held a petition gathering thousands of signatures backing the event.

More than nine thousand people have signed a petition to save an institution of British motor racing, two years after a competitor died at the event. Councillors have not yet given their approval for the annual Brighton Speed Trial, in September. Andy Dickenson reports.

The interviewees are:

Len Wooller, Vice chairman, Brighton & Hove

Simon Kirby MP (Conservative), Brighton Kemptown