BHS is lobbying for changes to the Highway Code
The British Horse Society is pushing for three amendments to the proposed new Highway Code.
The BHS is asking for last-minute amendments to the new Highway Code, which could be in force in August. The BHS suggested amendments to the new Highway Code to the Secretary of State back in February 2006. But according to BHS director of access, safety and welfare Mark Weston, some have apparently been ignored. The Code will forbid riding two horses abreast on narrow and busy roads and when riding around bends. It will also exclude horses from all cycle tracks. There can be many valid reasons for riding two abreast: groups of riders, nervous horses, novice riders, and defensive riding on winding country lanes where there is insufficient room for a car to pass a single horse safely. Breaches of the Highway Code could potentially be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts in order to establish liability in an accident. There are many cycle tracks which have been specifically designed for use by horse riders, and the loss of these would be very serious for those who rely on them.
The Secretary of State laid the proposed new Highway Code before both Houses of Parliament, and a Parliamentary debate on the Code took place on 26 June. Details of that debate can be viewed by clicking here.
All equestrians can support these concerns by signing up to the petition that is on the Downing Street website which can be accessed via the following link http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Horseriding/
