Motorsports On Closed Public Roads
Feedback updated 25 Feb 2019
We asked
We asked for your opinion on proposals to permit motorsports events, such as stage rallies, hill climbs and trials of speed, on closed public roads in certain circumstances. We sought your views on a proposed two stage regulatory process whereby an event organiser would be required to seek a motorsports permit from the relevant Motorsports Governing Body and then a Motorsports Order from the relevant Local Roads Authority.
You said
We received a total of 3,788 responses to the public consultation. There was clear support for the introduction of a two stage application process with 98% of respondents in support of that proposal. There was also clear support (99%) for the proposals to give powers to Local Roads Authorities to close public roads for motorsports events in line with the powers they already have for other events.
We did
We have published non-confidential responses to the consultation and an analysis of the consultation responses (link below). Preparations are now underway for new regulations and the feedback received from this consultation will help shape that process.
The full analysis report can be found here.
Published responses
View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.
Overview
Scotland has a long and proud tradition in the world of motorsports and the Scottish Government recognise the need to balance the potential for economic benefit and public enjoyment from such events with a high degree of safety, both for spectators and road users.
Local authorities currently have the power to authorise a road closure for sporting and leisure events on public roads under the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 (RTRA). This does not currently extend to the closure of public roads for motor vehicle races or trials of speed.
The purpose of this consultation paper is to invite views from interested parties on a proposal to extend a local authorities powers to include the closure of public roads for motorsports events. We are seeking views on proposals to introduce a two stage authorisation process. This would require event organisers to gain a motorsports permit from a named motorsports governing body (stage 1) before an application can be made to the relevant local authorities for a motorsports order.
Why your views matter
The Scottish Ministers have the power, under Section 12 of the Deregulation Act 2015, to authorise, or make provision for authorising, the holding of races or trials of speed on public roads in Scotland. The powers in the 2015 Act were granted following a UK Government consultation on a proposal to authorise motorsports events on public roads.
This consultation is a key part of the process of looking at whether new regulations are needed within Scotland, and if so, what those regulations should reflect.
Interests
- Transport
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