Road Traffic (Horse and Rider Safety) Bill

Today I will be introducing a new Presentation Bill: the Road Traffic (Horse and Rider Safety) Bill.

This Bill would:

• Set clear rules on the speed and distance required when passing horses on the road.

• Ensure equestrian safety is properly included in driving theory tests.

• Place equestrian awareness at the heart of driver education.

  
  

Here in West Berkshire, equestrian life is part of our identity. Lambourn is world-renowned as the Valley of the Racehorse, and across our villages, horses are not just part of the landscape; they are part of our economy, our culture, and our way of life.

Yet the roads our riders share are too often unsafe. Just recently, another horse was tragically killed while being ridden in Windsor. That devastating incident, is a stark reminder that more must be done to protect horses and riders from dangerous driving.

I’ve spoken with riders, trainers, and equestrian groups. Their message is clear: education and consistency are vital. Too many drivers simply don’t know the Highway Code guidance for passing horses, or how dangerous it is when that guidance isn’t followed.

This Presentation Bill is about keeping the issue firmly on the national agenda. By raising it in Parliament, I want to amplify the voices of riders and communities like ours who live with this risk every day.

Horse and rider safety is about saving lives, protecting livelihoods, and making our roads safer for everyone. I’ll continue to work with local groups, national charities, and cross-party MPs to press the Government to take this seriously.