Silverstone’s event commander, Detective Superintendent Richard Tompkins, has revealed plans for a formidable security perimeter, referred to as a “ring of steel,” to be set up around the race circuit. This heightened security measure aims to prevent a recurrence of the disruption experienced during the 2022 race.
Last year, five members of the activist group Just Stop Oil managed to breach the barriers during the inaugural lap of the Grand Prix. However, a red flag triggered by Zhou Guanyu’s mishap at Turn 1 resulted in the field slowing down by the time they reached the protestors on the Wellington Straight.
Following the recent disruptions by Just Stop Oil at ex-chancellor George Osborne’s wedding, Wimbledon, and the Chelsea Flower Show, there are heightened fears that the upcoming Formula 1 event could face similar interruptions.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, along with the police, have expressed support for peaceful protests. However, other drivers have voiced their safety concerns, highlighting the risks for those protestors, marshals, stewards, or spectators who may invade the live track.
In response to these concerns, the police have implemented several preventative measures. These include deploying search teams, armed officers, uniformed officers with dogs, plain-clothes detectives, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition.
Additionally, in collaboration with the South Wales Police, the Northants division has implemented live facial recognition cameras. These devices will scan attendees, cross-referencing their biometric data against a watchlist of individuals suspected of criminal activity or who have outstanding arrest warrants.
The group Just Stop Oil has used its social media platforms to echo Hamilton’s call for peaceful protest and has also requested that he distance himself from Mercedes’ principal sponsor, Petronas. Despite advocating for peaceful protest, Just Stop Oil has also warned that its members are prepared to risk personal harm for their cause.
Following the 2022 protest, six people were found guilty of conspiracy to commit public nuisance, receiving varied sentences, including suspended prison terms of up to 12 months, community service orders, and requirements for unpaid work.
Read Also:
Verstappen’s ongoing struggle with hand injury at F1 British GP
What F1 GPS data reveals about McLaren’s impressive Silverstone qualifying
British GP: Explanation of F1 technical images from the pitlane
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Silverstone Security Measures
What security measures have the police implemented for the upcoming Silverstone race?
In response to potential disruptions, the police have implemented several security measures. These include the deployment of search teams, armed officers, uniformed officers with dogs, and plain-clothes detectives. Additionally, Automatic Number Plate Recognition and live facial recognition cameras have been implemented to identify potential offenders or individuals with outstanding arrest warrants.
Who are Just Stop Oil and what have they done?
Just Stop Oil is an activist group known for interrupting high-profile events to draw attention to their cause. Last year, they disrupted the inaugural lap of the Grand Prix, and have recently caused disruptions at ex-chancellor George Osborne’s wedding, Wimbledon, and the Chelsea Flower Show. The group advocates for non-violent direct action and has warned its members are prepared to risk personal harm for their cause.
What was the consequence of the 2022 protest led by Just Stop Oil?
Following the 2022 protest, six people were found guilty of conspiracy to commit a public nuisance. They received varied sentences, including suspended prison terms of up to 12 months, community service orders, and requirements for unpaid work.
How has the racing community responded to the potential disruptions?
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and the police have expressed support for peaceful protests. However, other drivers have raised safety concerns, specifically for the protestors, marshals, stewards, or spectators who may risk invading the live track.
What is the role of facial recognition technology in the security measures?
Live facial recognition cameras, implemented in conjunction with South Wales Police, will scan attendees. These cameras cross-reference attendees’ biometric data against a watchlist of individuals suspected of criminal activity or who have outstanding arrest warrants. Data of individuals not triggering an alert will be deleted from the system.
More about Silverstone Security Measures
- Just Stop Oil Official Website
- Facial Recognition Technology Overview
- F1 Official Site – Silverstone Race
- Police and Public Safety Measures
- Mercedes F1 Team
- Public Nuisance Law in the UK
5 comments
well, looks like Silverstone’s turnin into a fortress…cant help but wonder, is this the future of all our races? :”
Police Utilize Facial Recognition as Just Stop Oil Threatens Extreme Protests”
Facial recognition tech at races now, huh? Welcome to the future, folks. Privacy’s a myth these days…
Big up to Hamilton for supporting peaceful protests. That’s a champ for ya!
The sentences for last year’s protest seem a bit harsh to me. a year in prison for a public nuisance? seems over the top…
just Stop Oil… Good intentions, but they need to remember there’s a place and time for everything. Disrupting an F1 race? Not cool.