Prime Minister David Cameron has announced during the official opening of the new Williams F1 production facility in Oxfordshire that motor sports events will in future be permitted to take place on public roads.
Around 9,000 motor sports events take place each year in the UK, organised by Motor Sport Association member clubs and the Auto Cycle Union member clubs. The vast majority taking place at purpose-built venues, or in remote rural off-road locations, but after a consultation earlier this year the Government will legislate to allow local authorities the power to stage motor sport events. This will include stage rallies, hill climbs, and speed trials, provided relevant safety measures are put in place.
“We have a great tradition of motorsport in this country and today we are bringing British motor racing back to British roads, to benefit local communities,” said the Prime Minister.
“As part of our long-term economic plan, we are backing our world-leading motorsport industry to support jobs, enhance skills and help us to build a more resilient economy.”
Following the huge success of the first three stages of this year’s Tour de France being staged in the UK, which saw an estimated 3.5 million spectators line the streets, today’s move will allow local communities across the country to reap the benefits from staging elite motor sports events.”
Government figures estimate that £100m was bought into the UK by hosting the opening three stages of this years’ Tour de France. It estimates that there could be the demand for up to 20 significant motor sports events to be held on UK roads annually, with hopes that this could generate an additional £40m for local communities over the next five years.
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