The Fatal Accident Inquiry into the deaths at the Jim Clark Rally and Snowman Rally has concluded that the deaths in the Scottish Borders could have been avoided.
The FAI, published today, found that while no one person or circumstance was responsible for the fatalities, a precaution which should have been taken was that the prohibited area near the crash should have clearly prohibited anyone from standing anywhere in that area.
The FAI makes a number of recommendations for future rallies across the UK including particular better creation and enforcement of designated prohibited areas.
Local MP John Lamont has welcomed the publication of the FAI and says the focus must now be on implementing the recommendation to ensure safe motorsports events are able to go ahead including the Jim Clark Rally.
John Lamont MP said: “This inquiry will go some way to provide clarity to those who lost their loved ones in the tragic events of 2013 and 2014. Clearly lessons need to be learned and the Motor Sports Association and Jim Clark Rally organisers must now look to implement the recommendations, in full, as soon as possible.
“Many of these recommendations are already being implemented by the Motor Sports Association, following the Scottish Government’s Safety review in 2015 and I would therefore expect this work can be completed quickly.
“It is my hope that now we have this judgment, the organisers, MSA and Scottish Borders Council can move forward to ensure a safe Jim Clark Rally to be held as soon as possible.”