The campaign to return closed-road motorsport to Britain chalked-up another win this year, as the Deregulation Bill achieved Royal Assent. The bill includes a framework for running motorsport events on closed roads, which would negate the need for a costly individual Act of Parliament for each meeting.
The next hurdle to be overcome is again legislative and in the form of a statutory instrument detailing the enabling powers, with the MSA promising to consult with stakeholders following the General Election in May.
“This landmark development is the result of a lot of hard work by a small handful of people behind the scenes, with vital backing from thousands of supporters within the British motorsport community,” said Rob Jones, chief executive of the Motor Sports Association.
“In particular, we must recognise the invaluable contributions of both Rt Hon Ken Clarke, the Minister responsible for driving the legislation, and Ben Wallace MP, who has relentlessly championed the cause of motorsport within Westminster over the past five years, and kept the pressure on his colleagues when necessary.”
Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC