Reply: Under section 125 of the Road Traffic Act, a person who promotes or takes part in motor races on a road, should obtain the consent of the Commissioner of Police. I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that each year about 10 applications for racing events for both motorcycles and motor cars from registered organisations are received. 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

171 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, Chamarel and even in Port Louis. Unfortunately, it has been observed that motor races and rallies involving both motor cars and motorcycles are being held in certain locations illegally, usually after midnight, without the consent of the Police. The Police receives every year around 50 complaints from members of the public relating to speeding and noise caused by illegal rallies and races. I am further informed by the Commissioner of Police that, in order to curb the holding of illegal rallies and motor racing all over the island, including on motorway M3, the local Police regularly puts in place special deployments through vehicular patrols, vehicle check points and targeted operations in hot spots. The existing Police deployment has been reinforced with the involvement of the Special Mobile Force and the Special Supporting Unit for increased patrols and Police presence at targeted areas. Moreover, the public is continuously being sensitised on the dangers of illegal racing. To reinforce control over such activities, amendments are being envisaged to the existing legislation so as to strengthen provisions to deter the holding of illegal rallies and motor racing. The proposed amendments will include higher fines and disqualification of driving licences for illegal road racing, including terms of imprisonment and also the use of technology such as drones and Safe City Cameras for better detection of illegal racing. 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. Unfortunately, there were no follow-up actions. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has been requested to reconsider the hiring of the services of a consultant to assess the feasibility of setting up, in Mauritius, a dedicated rally track within all the legal framework and with the required safety features. Illegal motor rallies not only endanger the lives of participants, but also of innocent bystanders. It also causes

172 environmental damage, and disrupt public order. By providing proper facilities with sufficient security and clear regulations, we can channel the passion for motorsports into safe, organised sports events that benefit both the participants and the community at large. PUBLIC BEACHES – INCIDENTS – LAW MAINTENANCE MEASURES