Following a recent MSA-commissioned study, conducted by the renowned Sport Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University, the Motor Sports Association has launched a petition to amend the current legislation surrounding 'closed road' motorsport events. If successful, such events could generate in excess of £40m for local UK communities within the next five years.
The report analyses not only the economic impact, but also the softer social and wider benefits offered by these proposed events. It concludes that there is compelling evidence to support the MSA’s proposed amendment to existing legislation.
The UK is losing out both in sporting and economic terms as a direct result of the current law, which requires an Act of Parliament to suspend the Road Traffic Act on a stretch of the public highway to facilitate such events.
Throughout Europe (and also in Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man), ‘closed road’ events bring great benefit to the local communities in terms of tourism, economic prosperity and sporting kudos.
In light of this evidence, The MSA petition calls on the UK government to provide a mechanism to deliver a Temporary Suspension Order (in association with local authorities) that would enable a limited annual number of ‘closed road’ events to take place in England, Wales and Scotland, with the associated benefits for the regions selected.
The MSA has made the research paper available on their website, together with a draft letter that can be downloaded and sent to local MPs or local authorities. To view these documents, along with a briefing paper outlining the case for Closed Road motor sport, please click here.
“We are under no illusion about the size of the task still ahead of us,” says Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive. “But we are delighted by the findings of the Sheffield Hallam paper which confirm our belief that this amended legislation could provide a significant boost not only for the sport, but also for the communities themselves. While there is a long way to go yet, we are optimistic that the timing is right to present a case to government that will generate millions of pounds for local businesses without requiring any public funding.”
Please view and sign the petition by clicking here.
