Jaak Vanvelthoven makes a cry for help on Radio 2: Should Lommel close?
Yesterday good old Jaak Vanvelthoven was heard in the Radio 2 afternoon program. He is the chairman of the motocross circuit in Lommel and yesterday sounded the alarm on Radio 2. The circuit received a permit from Zuhal Demir earlier this year under certain conditions and they are now killing the circuit.
Since the new permit, noise has to be measured constantly and that is where the problem lies. More specifically, a maximum of 50 decibels may be measured in residential zones. This figure was never exceeded. On the circuit itself, the maximum limit is 113 decibels and the measurements are slightly above that. From January 1, the noise must remain below 112 dB on the circuit.
Jaak Vanvelthoven: "There are currently no manufacturers that supply engines below the 112 dB standard. At an FIM conference it was recently decided to use 2024 dB in 114, with the sound pressure dropping to 112 dB a year later."
The non-profit organization that operates the circuit has now requested a relaxation from Zuhal Demir. It seems that if the cabinet of the Minister of the Environment does not do anything before January 1, the circuit will have to close from the first day of 2024. There would be no problem for the MXGP races, Lommel has an agreement with promoter Infront Moto Racing until 2026 and there is also a permit for that.
What came before
In 2020, the 'Heeserbergen' circuit in Lommel received a new permit, which was, however, annulled due to a complaint from a single resident. Afterwards the permit was granted again, but under “preconditions”.
Zuhal Demir: "Noise sports, whether motocross or rallycross, are under pressure. The limited space in Flanders, the increasing importance of environmental and other standards cause 'headaches' for many sports enthusiasts. As a minister you can do two things: bury your head in the sand or stick your neck out to reconcile the sport with the environment. I have been choosing the latter for three years now. Three years ago, the permit for the Heeserbergen motocross circuit in Lommel expired. The permit from the province of Limburg was then annulled after an appeal from a local resident, which landed it on my desk. A year later I issued the permit with the necessary preconditions. I was then of the opinion that I would not miss an opportunity to ensure the future of this sport in Flanders and to seek out the interplay between the environment and local residents. Today, three years later, I still believe that this is a choice in the public interest."
The consequence
It appears that these preconditions cannot be met as of January 1, 2024. The measurements on the motocross track itself may not exceed 112 dB and that will not work. Unless the minister's office allows further relaxation before January 1, 2024, there is a risk of closure of the circuit. The procedure for a temporary relaxation of the conditions can take several months and is handled by the province.
Listen here to the conversation that Jana Smeets from Radio 2 had with Jaak Vanvelthoven.
Photos: Gino Maes and archive
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