In a racing first, local authorities have agreed to set aside a temporary red-light zone for prostitutes. For years Formula One races have attracted hundreds of thousands of spectators to the Hungaroring race track, approximately 15 kilometers east of Budapest. And with this gathering come hundreds of hookers, circulating through the crowds looking for clients.
Prostitution is legal in Hungary, but strictly regulated.
So this year, politicians elected to deal with the problem in a unique manner. Give the hookers their own track, so to speak. The zone will be open for business between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. each night. After the conclusion of the racing competition, the zone will be torn down, and the 5,000-population village will resume its routine. There has been pressure from police.