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England introduces new law allowing races on public roads

Published on 09 Apr 2017 07:07
5
By: Fergal Walsh

Public roads in England have received the go-ahead to apply to local authorities to shut public roads to host racing events. The new law is set to be introduced on Monday, which is seen as a chance to boost tourism in England.

Applications would be reviewed while the final decision would come down to councils, police and other local bodies, according to the BBC. Fixtures that can be applied for range from local events to international races, such as a city-based Grand Prix.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones pointed at the recent boost in cycling as a reference point for the new motoring events rule, and how it could benefit all: "This could be a real boost for the economies of an area. The examples would be in cycling.

"We had the Tour de France here, we had a Grand Depart in Yorkshire a couple of years ago and roads were closed as part of that event and thousands of people came to watch it. It had a huge impact, not just for boosting cycling in the UK, but for boosting tourism wherever it went."

Liberty Media, who completed the acquisition of Formula 1 in January, have already voiced their interest in hosting a Grand Prix in London, however air pollution levels would have to be monitored by Mayor Sadiq Kahn before a decision was made.

"In considering whether to support a Grand Prix in London, the mayor would need to see what the impacts are on air pollution," said a spokesperson for the mayor.

Motor Sports Association chief executive Rob Jones says that the new laws will allow them to bring motorsport closer to the people of England by introducing city-based events: "We can now take motorsport to the people, and in turn those local hosting communities have the opportunity to benefit from the economic boost that these events may provide."

Fergal Walsh

F1 News

Replies (5)

Barron

Posts: 625
Be fair, it would be kind of neat....
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- Apr 9 2017 - 13:21
Harryw

Posts: 107
Its not England you fuckwit. Its Great Britain. Made up of England, Wales and Scotland. So there could be a rally now in Wales on public roads or GP in London. Why do so many folks think England = GB? FFS
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- Apr 10 2017 - 09:20
- Barron
  
  Posts: 625
  Tried for many years to no avail. Americans don't get it - to them GB is England. It's pretty annoying and works both ways when I can't even be "English" on a Census form. I would have thought the European community understands the difference though....
  + 0
  
  Apr 10 2017 - 11:37
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Well, England has most of the power and is generally speaking the bigger of the members of GB, so its not uncommon for people to just simplify GB into England. I generally dont, but it happens during lazier occasions. By the way, isnt Northern Ireland also a part of the GB?
  + 0
  
  Apr 10 2017 - 12:57
- Harryw
  
  Posts: 107
  Well its insulting (nothing against english people) for welsh and scots to be labelled another nationality. No Northern Ireland is part of UK. UK is GB plus N.Ireland
  + 0
  
  Apr 10 2017 - 16:20