Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, last night raised concerns in Parliament about horse and rider safety on roads across her constituency, calling for greater driver awareness and more appropriate speed limits where equestrians regularly use the road.
Speaking during a Westminster Hall debate on road safety for horse riders, Miss. Smith highlighted the importance of horses to both the urban-fringe and rural communities in her constituency, including local riding schools such as Wembury Bay Riding School and Erme Valley Riding School for the Disabled, as well as Dartmoor ponies and warned of the dangers posed by high-speed traffic on roads shared by motorists and riders. She also raised how local speed limit decisions on the B3213 have impacted the riding community.
Responding to her contribution, the Roads Minister acknowledged that more action is needed to improve safety for horse riders and confirmed that the Government is updating its guidance to local authorities on setting speed limits. The Minister also stated that she would take account of the concerns raised by Rebecca about roads used regularly by riders.
Following the debate, Miss. Smith said:
“I welcome the Minister’s recognition that more needs to be done to protect horse riders and horses on our roads and it was encouraging to hear that updated guidance on speed limits is being developed.
“However, far too many riders and animals are still being put at risk, particularly on roads where high speeds sit alongside regular equestrian use. Awareness campaigns and guidance are important, but they must translate into real changes on the ground.
“I will continue to press the Government and local authorities to ensure that road safety policies properly reflect the needs of riders, rural communities and the horses that are such an important part of our heritage.”
Miss Smith has committed to continuing to work with constituents, riding schools and equestrian groups across South West Devon to press for safer roads for all users.
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