England introduces new law allowing races on public roads

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

Replies (5)

Login to reply
  • Barron

    Posts: 625

    Be fair, it would be kind of neat....

    • + 0
    • 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

    • + 0
    • 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
    • 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

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule
show sidebar