Boxing Day may be last speedway meet after court ruling

The Environment Court has again ruled against Auckland speedway fans.

It has upheld an interim ruling that the Western Springs speedway must comply with an 85-decibel noise limit.

Promoter Dave Stewart said the traditional transtasman Boxing Day meeting will go ahead but it may well be the last if they exceed the noise limit.

"It hurts like crazy. It's like the Grinch has come in and stolen not only our Christmas, but our whole future."

The case was due for a full hearing at the Environment Court in February.

The future of this speedway season was left to the court after negotiations between the speedway promoter and residents opposed to noise levels broke down on Tuesday.

Springs Promotions had wanted the noise limit to be raised to at least 90 decibels, saying it was the lowest limit possible to successfully run racing.

The residents association had agreed to the noise limit for three races per meeting in January exceeding 85 decibels but rising no higher than 90 decibels while the speedway worked out how to reduce noise levels.

The Auckland City Council supported Springs Promotions' application to the court. Deputy mayor Bruce Hucker said the council wanted the court to rule in favour of the speedway because it should be allowed to continue while a long-term solution to the noise problem was found.

But they would not agree to those terms for the remainder of the speedway season, Dr Hucker said.

Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard said it was now up to the speedway promoter to see if it could live within the limits this season and decide if racing continued.

"Tens of thousands will be disappointed by this decision today. Others will be pleased. We must accept the decision today - then prepare for the substantive case next year and press for an agreed solution in the meantime."

- Herald staff and Newstalk ZB