An important debate just happened in the UK’s Westminster Hall with what I’d say was an impressive turnout of MPs. Those who contributed to the ‘round the room’ parliamentary debate represented communities across Britain, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It was a pleasure to listen to the one-hour long sharing exercise. Why? The sharing of lived road riding experiences by politicians was on point and the range of issues highlighted, conveyed the problem, the solution and the unintended consequences.
Congratulations to the equestrian community. You have clearly engaged, shared and engaged with decision makers because each Member of Parliament’s contribution was informed. From personal road riding incidents of loss and life-long trauma to the statistics, the lack of education and knowledge of the UK Highway Code 2022 changes to the need for targeted road safety campaigns and protection and access to off-road pathways/Bridleways – the complete picture was tabled. Driver speed and passing a horse too close was understood to be the contributing factor to the suffering occurring in community.
In the current UK Highway Code horse riders are formally recognised as a vulnerable road user and equal in vulnerability to that of a cyclist. Vulnerable Road User Hierarchy
The Highway Code guidance currently states drivers should pass a horse at 10mph (16km) and provide at least 2-metres space in passing.
The British Horse Society, British Horseracing Authority, BRAKE and Blue Cross have worked closely with MP Lee Dillon to shape and inform the Road Traffic (Horse and Rider Safety) Bill.
The Bill seeks to tighten up guidance around speed and distance for passing horses in a moving vehicle.
To provide the inclusion of equestrian safety in driving theory tests and to make provision for specific driver education campaigns to promote equestrian safety.
With a community of 1.8-million people who ride regularly and 3 million who participate in equestrian activities, all Members of Parliament who spoke considered the issues raised to be significant and “…not niche, or an unusual occurrence…” but rather a daily reality on national roads.
MPs spoke of the need for equestrian representation on the National Road Safety Board, the need for local councils to be funded and incentivised to protect and maintain Bridleways – giving equestrians opportunity to access safe off-road riding – and investment in road safety signage in areas frequented by horse riders.
The Minister responsible for elevating issues raised was present and expressed her concern and support for the issues raised to be addressed, suggesting the Government’s recent release of its Road Safety Strategy will. “The Road Safety Strategy sets an ambitious target of reducing the number of people killed or injured on British roads by 65% by 2035…” and is confident the Strategy’s focus will make roads safer for all, including horse riders.
To listen to the debate visit Parliamentlive.tv - Westminster Hall - 16.30 it begins
This Private Member’s Bill had its first reading on September 2025.
