lBVcr route to change for the first time in its history
Organisers respond to congestion issues
London congestion and surging spectator numbers have forced Bonhams’ London to Brighton Veteran Car Run to adopt two routes out of the capital city for the first time in its 122-year history.
The 450 veteran cars will start from Hyde Park on 4 November as usual, but participants will then be split, with routes between Westminster and Croydon. The fleet will rejoin near Croydon before heading back on to the traditional journey through Purley and on to Brighton.
Members of the The Royal Automobile Club’s Veteran Car Run (VCR) Steering Group tested a number of different alternatives before approving the two new routes. These were trialed in veteran cars on a Sunday morning to best replicate the conditions on the day of the Run.
VCR Steering Group chairman, Ben Cussons, said: ‘Mounting congestion on the streets of south London has been a growing concern among run regulars, so we set out to evaluate several new options. It was agreed that the two-route policy was a suitable solution.
‘By splitting the 450-car entry into two groups, it is envisaged that traffic bottlenecks will be halved, quickening the exit out of London, so making the historic pilgrimage to Brighton an even more pleasurable event for all.’
A spokesperson says: ‘A few of the participants were initially worried about not going over Westminster Bridge but, with Big Ben under wraps for the next few years for renovation, their initial concerns were put to rest. I think we’ll only get true feedback after the event – the proof will be in the pudding!’