Following on from a successful awareness event at the weekend, the Police are highlighting key points to remember when coming across a horse on the Island’s roads.
Horse riders, carriage drivers, mobility scooters, cyclists and those who walk on the road joined together in Wroxall and Upper Ventnor on Sunday (15th September) for an annual ride out as part of the Island’s Pass Wide and Slow (PWAS) campaign.
PC Clapp and PCSO Keefe of the South Wight Neighbourhood Policing Team represented Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, with the Isle of Wight East MP also attending.
Joe Robertson MP has said:
“It was great to join in and support the Island’s Pass Wide and Slow Awareness Ride which started at Cook’s Castle Farm.
“There was a good turnout of horse riders, together with cyclists and walkers, who all came together in the sunshine to help raise awareness and promote understanding of how to use the road safely and courteously alongside horses.
“As the highway code is advisory and there are currently no specific laws governing the passing of horses on roads, the ride outs serve as a good reminder for all drivers to be mindful of vulnerable road users by leaving at least 2 metres and keeping under 10mph while passing.
“I was glad to see a strong support for the ride out, and we were joined by Cllr Rodney Downer and representatives from the Police.”
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Key points to remember:
• Slow down to a maximum of 10mph
• Be patient – don’t sound your horn or rev your engine
• Pass the horse wide and slow – at least two metres
• Drive slowly away
Probably get slated but I don’t agree with horses being on the roads ,there’s no need for it.
i saw a car in front of me go round a tight corner where the driver had no way of knowing there was 2 horse riders dawdling side by side how he / we never rammed those horses I shall never know