Reply (The Prime Minister): I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that, under section 125 of the Road Traffic Act, a person who promotes or takes part in motor races on a road, should, subject to certain conditions, get the consent of the Commissioner of Police. The Police receives each year about 18 applications from registered organisations for racing events for both motorcycles and motor cars. These applications are assessed, based on the eligibility criteria of participants, safety concerns, and the suitability of the location where the rally would be held. After consultations with relevant Ministries and Departments and in case all the conditions are met, the Police authorises the holding of these rallies. The rallies are commonly held at La Nicolière, the Parking of Anjalay Stadium, Plaine Champagne and Chamarel. However, it has been observed that such races and rallies involving both motor cars and motorcycles are being held in certain locations illegally, usually after midnight. From the year 2020 to end of November 2024, 28 cases of illegal rallies have been reported to the Police and 28 contraventions have been established. Moreover, the Police receives every year

150 around 40 complaints from members of the public relating to speeding and noise caused by illegal rallies and races. I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that, in order to curb down the holding of illegal rallies and motor racing, the local police regularly put in place special deployments through vehicular patrols, vehicle check points and targeted operations in hot spots. The existing police deployment is being reinforced with the involvement of the Special Mobile Force and the Special Supporting Unit for increased patrols and police presence at targeted areas. Motor rallies and racing are popular sports activities worldwide and there is growing interest in these activities in Mauritius as well. With a view to ensuring the safety and security of participants and spectators, a dedicated space with the proper infrastructure for the conduct of such rallies and races is desirable. In this connection, I am informed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports that, a preliminary study to explore the need for the setting up of a Rally Circuit in Mauritius, was carried out in the year 2022. The study has recommended that a Specialist Consultant be appointed to assess the feasibility of the project. This has not been done so far. With regard to a legal framework for the proper control of such activities, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that amendments will be brought to the existing legislation so as to strengthen provisions to deter the holding of illegal rallies and motor racing. The proposed amendments may include the following – (i) provision for designated areas for safe and authorised racing events; (ii) higher fines for illegal road racing, including terms of imprisonment; (iii) disqualification of driving licence of participants involved in illegal rallies and motor racing, and (iv) provisions in the law to enable contraventions to be established through the use of CCTV and Safe City camera images as well as the use of drones with night vision technology to be used as evidence for any successful prosecution. The Police have the responsibility to maintain law and order as well as the safety and security of road users. We shall bring necessary amendments to the existing Road Traffic Act with a view to facilitating the task of the police to take contraventions.

151 MOGAS & DIESEL – PROPOSED PRICE REDUCTION