MSA Road Rallying Petition
Discussion
The UK is losing out both in sporting and economic terms as a direct result of the law that requires an Act of Parliament to suspend the Road Traffic Act on a stretch of the public highway. 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.
The UK government should 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 Motor Sports Association is currently undertaking an economic impact assessment to support this proposal. Previous studies undertaken on behalf of the Jim Clark Rally, put the figure for that one event in excess of £3m – this leads the MSA to estimate that closed road rallying for a limited number of approximately 20 events a year, could deliver substantial benefit to local areas, particularly in the low season, of between £20m and £60m a year.
http://www.petition.co.uk/msa
Cheers.
The UK government should 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 Motor Sports Association is currently undertaking an economic impact assessment to support this proposal. Previous studies undertaken on behalf of the Jim Clark Rally, put the figure for that one event in excess of £3m – this leads the MSA to estimate that closed road rallying for a limited number of approximately 20 events a year, could deliver substantial benefit to local areas, particularly in the low season, of between £20m and £60m a year.
http://www.petition.co.uk/msa
Cheers.
You started off on the wrong foot unfortunately - in the UK the term 'road rally' refers to a (navigation) rally run on public roads under normal conditions - ie not requiring road closure.
You intended to refer to 'stage rallying on temporarily closed public roads'.
Some might have been put off reading the thread by the title (remembering that there's not much rally interest here anyway - it seems to be predominantly circuit racing).
Not being pedantic - just explaining why you might have had a lack of interest!
You intended to refer to 'stage rallying on temporarily closed public roads'.
Some might have been put off reading the thread by the title (remembering that there's not much rally interest here anyway - it seems to be predominantly circuit racing).
Not being pedantic - just explaining why you might have had a lack of interest!
This one's done the rounds on the Rallying Forums, so it has some support. Agree with title of the thread though, this petition isn't about road rallying, which isn't just navigational events by the way, that would be an over simplification 
Still the petition deserves support from anybody interested in motor sport in the UK.

Still the petition deserves support from anybody interested in motor sport in the UK.
robg2 said:
You started off on the wrong foot unfortunately - in the UK the term 'road rally' refers to a (navigation) rally run on public roads under normal conditions - ie not requiring road closure.
You intended to refer to 'stage rallying on temporarily closed public roads'.
I can think of a few public roads that would make good hilclimbs as well, if they could be closed and the Road Traffic Act suspended. Bridge Valley road in Bristol anyone? Close the Portway (aka "the A4")at the Cumberland Basin end to use as a paddock, turn left onto Ladies Mile at the top for the finish and use the rest of it as a top paddock.You intended to refer to 'stage rallying on temporarily closed public roads'.
I like the idea, signed the petition but have a feeling that this won't any were. Ireland, the Isle of Mann and certain parts of Europe have great events based on public roads, from hill climbs and rallying to motorbike racing. They have long standing traditions of doing this and we don't.
Never mind getting Government permission, I fear that there are just too many Nimbys on this Island.
Never mind getting Government permission, I fear that there are just too many Nimbys on this Island.
velocemitch said:
Berwick and District MC manage it for the Jim Clark....
Following the lead set by the 2300 club for the Tour of Mull.Closed road events are not easy to manage and take the support of the local community to make it work. I heard about the Bank Manager in Tobermory celebrating his first million pound week after the rally - and the story goes that it was back in the seventies....
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