Horse riders support police road safety campaign
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Over the weekend, officers conducted an operation around Blackhall Colliery as part of the Pass Wide and Slow campaign.
Operation Closepass raises awareness of how to safely pass horses on the public highway and to remind drivers of Rule 215 of the Highway Code.
The Highway Code is specific about what drivers need to do when passing horses:
- Slow down to a maximum of 10mph.
- Be patient and do not sound your horn or rev your engine.
- When safe to do so, pass the horse wide and slow, allowing a minimum of two metres where possible.
- Drive slowly away.
Even the calmest horses can react unexpectedly, so following this guidance helps protect riders, drivers and passengers. Collisions involving horses can have serious consequences.
Sgt Sarah Manser, of Durham Roads and Armed Policing, said: "We want to support the equestrian community, and the message to motorists is simple: be patient, do not sound your horn or rev your engine and, when safe to do so, pass wide and slow, allowing at least two metres of space where possible.
"Many people are simply unaware of the law and today was about educating motorists to help ensure horses and their riders remain safe. Almost all motorists observed today were respectful and passed wide and slow. However, eight motorists were stopped for offences and given words of advice, while two drivers were stopped for committing other road traffic offences."
Road users who use dash or helmet cams are also being encouraged to submit footage to the force’s Operation Snap if they witness driving offences.
If you have a dashcam or any other type of footage which clearly shows the offence with the vehicle registration, we want to hear from you.
Thank you to all those who took part.