Tarmac Rallying On Closed Public Roads In The Uk

[AndyS]

Just noticed on the BBC website that Tarmac rallying on closed public roads maybe back on the agenda in the UK. Being discussed in parliament about possible changing the laws so decisions are passed to local authorities as opposed to the central government.

I have not had much of an interest in rallying for years now, but having watched a bit of the action from Ireland this sounds to me like quite an exciting development. I know there are a some events running in Scotland, Isle of Man and Northern Ireland (that I know of) but this should open up a whole range of other possibilities.

Of course actually getting permission from local authorities maybe a bit of a challenge once people living near any event start getting involved but you never know. It possible may open up the opportunity for street races and sprints/hillclimbs.

Any thoughts as to whether this will get off the ground or not?

[ChrisPage]

I know the MSA had this in their 'manifesto' before last year's general election. So promising it will actually be discussed.

There is no reason for it to be banned outright, so long as local councils and communities can decide for themselves whether they want one or not.

[Matthews Dad]

This has been discussed at the party conferences at fringe meetings, from a meetign I was at earlier in the week i got the distinct impresion that its a case not of if but when it gets the go ahead and that it will get approval

The law will be changed to allow the temporary suspension of the road taffic act on closed roads as even now roads can quite easily be closed for "events" but currently the RTA stays in place

[MGDavid]

Originally Posted by Matthews Dad

.........
The law will be changed to allow the temporary suspension of the road taffic act on closed roads as even now roads can quite easily be closed for "events" but currently the RTA stays in place

how do bunches of racing cyclists get away with it then, I've often wondered?

[Farbrooke]

Originally Posted by MGDavid

how do bunches of racing cyclists get away with it then, I've often wondered?

Think you will find they are allowed within the road traffic act - their governing body more forward thinking than motor sport at the time

[MGDavid]

Originally Posted by Farbrooke

Think you will find they are allowed within the road traffic act - their governing body more forward thinking than motor sport at the time

ah sorry, I meant 'if the RTA still applies then how do they get away with breaking so many laws?' - speeding, wrong side of the road, wrong way on one-way streets etc.

[Farbrooke]

Originally Posted by MGDavid

ah sorry, I meant 'if the RTA still applies then how do they get away with breaking so many laws?' - speeding, wrong side of the road, wrong way on one-way streets etc.

Sorry should have been clearer - I think cyclists are allowed temporary suspension of RTA when road closed - as has been said at present motorsport can have a road closed but RTA still applies

[leonidas]

This could be a big boost for rallying in this country. Hopefully it will mean more and better rallies in parts of the country where the sport is weak (Midlands, South East) - and will encourage a new generation of tarmac specialists.

I can't see how England will ever produced a tarmac specialist like Loeb unless youngsters get the chance to drive serious competitive mileage on closed roads - and on a regular basis. You can't really translate Circuit experience to tarmac rallies - if you could Kimi would be already up there challenging Loeb for WRC wins.