Motor racing to come to Britain’s streets

Local councils are to be given the power to stage motor racing on street circuits – meaning a London Grand Prix could be a reality

Councils across the country will soon be given the power to stage motor racing on Britain’s roads, the prime minister announced today.

Currently, an Act of Parliament is required for motorsport to take place on a closed road, but the new legislation will mean local authorities will be able to grant permission for road races to go ahead, as well as to close the roads in question and suspend speed limits.

David Cameron announced the plans while opening the Williams Formula One team’s new factory in Oxfordshire. “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,” he said. “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.”

As well as generating exciting racing which would indirectly support Britain’s healthy motorsports industry, the government hopes that the new legislation could also bring benefits for the communities holding the events. It says that their local economies could collectively benefit from up to a boost of up to £40 million over five years.