The Motor Sports Association has announced the costs of using Forestry Commission land for motor sport activity in 2007.

Following the announcement of the 2006 Retail Price Index in October of 3.7%, the Motor Sports Association and the Forestry Commission can confirm the new schedule of charges for the use of Forestry Commission roads from 1st January to 31st December 2007.

This is the final year of the agreement signed by the MSA and the Forestry Commission in 2004 that not only set out a framework for the management of motor sport on Forestry Commission land, but also confirmed index-linked price rises through to the end of 2007.

As an extension to last year's agreement, a Motor Sport Concordat was established to create a partnership for managing and developing motor sport alongside the other activities on the Commission's estate.

Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive, said:

"We worked very hard with the Forestry Commission three years ago to secure a level of fees that recognises the value of their estate but does not put the sport's viability at risk financially. The index-linked rises have allowed clubs to plan ahead without fear of punitive cost hikes year on year and some of the costs have risen less than the 3.7%.

"We have worked closely with the Commission over the past three years to explore ways of minimising the impact of our sport on their environment. Smaller tyres and reduced engine capacities are just two of the ways in which motor sport can minimise its impression on the Commission's estate and it is vital that the motor sport community continues to work with the Commission and co-exist alongside other users to safeguard our on-going activities on the Commission's land.

"In the coming months we will begin discussions about the future. We have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the Forestry Commission and we see no reason why this should be threatened by the forthcoming negotiations."