New rules paving the way for a Monaco-style street-based grand prix have "come into force, allowing motor sports on closed public roads," according to Damien Gayle of the London GUARDIAN. The changes, which came in on April 3, "will clear the way for motor sports promoters to apply for permission to stage races on public highways in England," from small-scale local events to int'l races such as a city-based grand prix. Transport Minister Andrew Jones said that the move "would cement Britain’s position as a world leader in motor sports and highlighted the overwhelming support the measure received in a consultation." The suggestion that London might hold a grand prix has been "mooted on and off" since '11, with former Formula 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, "known to back the idea and having offered to cover the cost of staging the event." However, the prospect of a London grand prix has been "ruled out for the foreseeable future" after a spokesperson for Mayor Sadiq Khan said that City Hall would only support an event if F1 teams "achieved a significant reduction in the air pollution from their vehicles" (GUARDIAN, 4/7). The BBC reported the government said that the move "could be a real boost" to tourism. The final decision on whether a race is "safe to proceed would be made by councils, police and other local bodies." Jones denied the new rules could "send the wrong message when there is fierce debate over traffic pollution in England's cities." Khan's spokesperson said, "In considering whether to support a Grand Prix in London, the mayor would need to see what the impacts are on air pollution." The Motor Sports Association, which campaigned to bring closed-road events to the U.K., said that the new rules would mark a "seismic shift for U.K. motor sport." MSA CEO Rob Jones said, "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" (BBC, 4/8).
