There will be no extra TT practice session at the 2014 meeting - despite the majority being in favour of an extra session in a public consultation.

The Department of Economic Development has decided not to pursue an additional road closure on Thursday May 30 or Friday May 31. The proposal had caused an outcry. The department and race organisers ACU Events have now confirmed they will operate this year's practice and qualifying sessions under the same structure as last year's meeting, so roads will close as usual from 6pm to no later than 9.30pm from Saturday May 24 to Friday May 30.

Political member for tourism and motorsport, David Cretney MHK said: 'It was really important that we sought and listened to the opinions of local residents, businesses and other relevant groups before we implemented any changes to the qualifying schedule as we rely hugely on their goodwill to run the TT races.

'We looked very carefully at the responses and while there were a majority of respondents in support of the proposal it was decided that the additional practice session would not be pursued at this time. We are conscious of the need to keep disruption to the public and business to a minimum and remain very grateful for the support that we receive from the local community in running the races.'

A new consultation process is due to get under way to assess the viability of an earlier road closure to accommmodate Classic TT races on Saturday August 23.

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