The Auto-Cycle Union has announced changes to be implemented after the crash in which rider Steve Mercer was badly injured last year.

The Isle of Man Examiner revealed in April 2’s edition that the ACU - which organises the TT - had refused to allow Mercer to see the report into the crash that led to his injury. The ACU cited legal privilege for keeping Mercer in the dark and said that the recommendations of the report were being implemented ’where appropriate’ but refused to say what they were.

The Examiner asked a number of further questions to which it did not reply.

However, last week it issued a statement on its website about the matter, which it described as a ’press release’ even though it did not release it to the press.

Mercer is still receiving in-patient treatment in a rehabilitation centre for limb and spinal injuries following the incident during a TT qualifying session last year - and says there is a realistic prospect that he could lose a leg.

He was critically injured when a group of red-flagged TT riders were allowed to travel back to the Grandstand the ’wrong way’ round the course.

At Ballacrye, near Ballaugh, his machine collided with a course car, which was travelling at high speed on its way to the accident which claimed the life of Manx TT star Dan Kneen.

An independent inquiry into what could have been a multiple-fatality collision was held for the ACU.

In last week’s statement, the ACU says the report is not solely based on circumstances or practices within the TT.

’A lot of the content relates to the structure, management and operating methods of the ACU, which again, the directors have implemented changes, but some content is very business sensitive,’ the statement reads.

It says the ’press release’ will be the ’final statement provided but by listing all of the relevant points it is hoped that all questions are answered and we can all look forward to the 2019 event’.

The statement adds: ’Ahead of listing the salient changes, both ACU Ltd and ACU Events Ltd are pleased that Steve Mercer is making progress and would point out that through our extensive insurance arrangements, assistance is being given with his rehabilitation process:

The following recommendations have been put in place - or will be ahead of TT 2019.

Improved training for all senior race pfficials. A comprehensive Table Top exercise took place at the Grandstand on April 3.

Improved and more structured marshal training.

Emphasis on competitors reading and understanding the rules and regulations for the event.

More in-depth rider briefings

TETRA radio training for all officials.

GPS tracking devices to be fitted to all non-race vehicles.

All course cars/course inspection car and TTMA response cars to have warning lights fitted to the roof of the vehicle.

Imposed speed limits on all course cars.

A more comprehensive event safety plan.

The appointment of an event safety officer.

In addition, both the ACU and ACU Events Ltd have made changes in staffing.

Gary Thompson’s sole responsibility within ACU Events Ltd is being TT clerk of the course.