Donington traffic plans

After the horrendous traffic problems encountered by GP fans at this year’s British GP, Donington Park is conducting a traffic impact study as part of the on going improvements to the circuit.

The track at Donington was completely re-surfaced this year but the traffic situation after the GP had finished seemed to have worsened, with people having to wait up to seven hours just to leave the grounds.

Despite a deluge of criticism from race fans the circuit managed to secure the British GP for the next five years and has promised to sort out the traffic flow problems by setting aside £40,000 to carry out a ‘traffic impact study’.

A spokesman for the circuit said: “Last year we spent nearly £150,000 on traffic management but it only worked in parts. This year we have got a national consultancy working full time on our traffic management issues. They report back to us regularly and we will have the whole process completed in good time for next years GP.”

The study, which has been running for almost two months, is part of the second stage of developments at the circuit, which will also see the 1970’s pit garages completely demolished and rebuilt.

The new complex will include 38 new pitlane garages, up from 28, a new race control building and a new media centre as well as an extension to Paddock One and resurfacing and drainage work across the whole paddock area at a cost of £4 million.

The building work won’t be completed until 2006.