Road racing could return to mainland Great Britain if a consultation on changing road closure orders results in an amendment to the road traffic act.

Currently, it is illegal to organise or take part in a race or trial of speed on the public highway, but the Motorsport Association has been pushing successive governments to devolve power to local authorities to enable them to suspend the Road Traffic Act without having to resort to an Act of Parliament.

Such an amendment would enable competitive motor sport events such as stage rallies, sprints and hill climbs to take place on closed public roads, as already happens across mainland Europe, in Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

“This is the news that British motor sport has been waiting for. It represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change the landscape of our sport, allowing local communities across the country to host motor sport events and enjoy all the excitement and economic benefit they bring,” said the MSA’s Rob Jones.

“However to make that vision a reality, we need everybody involved with our sport – competitors and volunteers, clubs and organisers – to respond positively to the government consultation before the 10 April deadline.

“The government’s enthusiasm for motor sport, and its launch of a public consultation, reflects years of hard work behind the scenes. It’s now up to us all to grab this chance to take the closed road campaign a big step closer to the finish line.”