Go-ahead high-speed races to take place in British towns and cities

Monaco has its famous Grand Prix, the Isle of Man has its TT motor cycling championships, and from Monday, towns and cities across England will have the power to introduce racing events on public roads.

New laws will allow for the first time local councils to stage car and motor cycle events on their own streets in a move aimed at boosting tourism.

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) described the move as one of the biggest developments in the history of British motorsport.

The move, the government's Department for Transport could see small races hosted by local communities, bigger European rallies or even a future Monaco-style Grand Prix in an English city, offering huge economic benefits to local communities, worth tens of millions of dollars a year.

The initiative was welcomed Saturday by former British Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell who described it as a great move forward for the sport.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said:"Britain is a world leader in the motorsport industry and this will further cement our position. New road races will boost local economies through increased tourism and hospitality, and offer community opportunities such as volunteering."

Under the new law the Motor Sports Association and the Auto-Cycle Union, the respective governing bodies for four- and two-wheel motor sports in Britain, will be authorised to issue permits for the races.

Rob Jones, CEO of the Motor Sports Association (MSA), said:"This is a seismic shift for UK motorsport, and one that the MSA and the wider motorsport community have pursued determinedly for many years. 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."

Gary Thompson, general secretary of the Auto Cycle Union and clerk of the course for the famous Isle of Mann TT event, said:"A lot of hard work has gone into making this happen. Working with the MSA and the Department for Transport, putting this legislation in place will make a big difference to road racing in this country. This will make road racing more attractive as new opportunities come along but also will have a positive economic impact on those areas staging closed public road racing which can only be a big plus for motorcycle racing and those areas wanting to host such an event."

World champion Mansell said:"I have seen first-hand the very significant impact of motor sport on the economy of the Isle of Man and Jersey, so this is a great move forward for the sport and will bring visitors and pride to parts of the country that wish to stage such events. I am delighted that this government is embracing motorsport, which will assist the UK's world-leading position and improve the sport's ability to help provide opportunities and focus for young people." Endit