London to Brighton run prevails
Veteran Car Run keeps Madeira Drive – and stages inaugural virtual event
2020 was a tumultuous year for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Despite organisers having to cancel the live event at the last minute, they were able to stage a varied and lively virtual event on 1 November that was attended by pre-1905 car owners from as far afield as New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, Germany and Italy.
After the 2019 event was marred by the death of Canadian Ron Carey, organisers (the Royal Automobile Club and the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain steering group) took thorough steps to revise the safety planning of future runs. Lorry driver, Michael Black, who collided with Ron Carey’s Knox Porcupine when it accidentally strayed onto the M23, appeared at Staines Magistrates’ Court in November, before being sent to Guildford Crown Court for a further hearing on 28 December.
As organisers scrambled to keep 2020’s Veteran Car Run viable, rising infection levels first prompted a switch to a finish line just outside Brighton – before health concerns necessitated a full cancellation.
Rumours persisted in January 2020 that emissions studies carried out on Madeira Drive – the historic finish of the Veteran Car Run – would prevent it and other historic vehicle events from being staged there. Lockdown saw Madeira Drive being pedestrianised, and by June, worries persisted that it would remain closed to traffic. More than 4000 people signed a petition demanding that Madeira Drive be re-opened.
Assurances then came from Brighton and Hove City Council: were Madeira Drive to be closed, exemptions, proposed a month later, would allow the likes of the Veteran Car Run, Brighton Speed Trials, Classic Car Run and Mini Run to continue in future. Madeira Drive finally re-opened to traffic in October. ] veterancarrun.com