A renewed push to improve road safety for horses and riders has been taken to Parliament, as MP Lee Dillon (feature image) presented a public petition in the House of Commons on 25 March 2026.
Backed by cross-party support, the petition calls for clearer legal guidance, stronger enforcement, and improved driver education to better protect equestrians on UK roads.
The campaign has gained backing from several MPs, including Helen Morgan, Helen Maguire, Tim Farron, Jack Rankin, Steve Darling, John Milne and Liz Jarvis, highlighting growing political momentum behind equestrian road safety reforms.
Calls for Clearer Rules and Better Education
At the centre of the petition are calls for the Government to introduce clearer legal requirements around passing distances and speeds when overtaking horses, alongside embedding equestrian safety more firmly within driving tests and driver training.
Presenting the petition, Dillon emphasised the ongoing risks riders face due to dangerous driving and a lack of awareness among motorists.
He said:
“This campaign is about persistence, and about continuing to push until we see real change.
“I have already raised this issue in Parliament, but the reality is that too many riders are still being put at risk on our roads. I continue to hear from people across the country – individual riders, campaigners, organisations, and communities – all sharing their experiences. This is not going away, and it is certainly not confined to Newbury.
“It’s encouraging to have support from colleagues across Parliament. This is not a party-political issue, it’s about safety.
“We need clearer rules, better education, and stronger enforcement to prevent accidents before they happen.
“I will keep working with campaigners, residents, and colleagues to ensure this issue stays firmly on the agenda.”
Building Momentum for Change
The latest move builds on Dillon’s wider campaign to improve equestrian road safety, which has already included a Westminster Hall debate, an Early Day Motion (EDM), and the introduction of the Road Traffic (Horse and Rider Safety) Bill in September 2025.
With increasing reports of near misses, injuries, and fatalities involving horses on UK roads, the issue remains a major concern for riders, carriage drivers, and the wider equestrian community.
Campaigners have long argued that clearer guidance—such as minimum passing distances and reduced speeds—alongside stronger enforcement, could significantly reduce incidents and improve confidence for those riding on public roads.
Feature image: MP Lee Dillon
