After consultations lasting years, ministers have passed legislation to allow races on England's public roads. The new changes mean that motor sports promoters can apply for permission to stage races on public highways in England – everything  from small-scale local events to larger, international races such as a city-based grand prix.

Leader in motor sports

Andrew Jones, the transport minister, said the move would copperfasten Britain’s position as a world leader in motor sports. He also pointed out that the measure received overwhelming support during consultation. ‘We had a consultation on this idea last year and there were 6,000 responses and it was overwhelmingly positive … Of the councils who responded, they again were overwhelmingly positive,’ he said. ‘This could be a real boost for the economies of an area.’

On the agenda

The idea of London being the backdrop to a city grand prix has been on the agenda since 2011 when then Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone offered to pay to stage the event. And, Formula 1's new owners Liberty Media have made it clear that they have a vision of 'destination' races, featuring week-long events at cities in the US and around the world and London would make for an attractive locations.

Final say

However, it is understood that local authorities will have the final say over whether a race can go ahead, and may require additional safety measures before, during or after the event as a condition of allowing a race to take place.