Just the start as horse and rider road safety backed in parliament

The Lambourn MP, backed by colleagues, has submitted a motion he hopes will improve equestrians' road safety

- By ELEANOR JONES

A NEW parliament campaign to keep horses and riders safe on the road is just the start, its creator has promised.

Newbury MP Lee Dillon has submitted an early day motion (EDM) calling for acknowledgement of horses’ role in society, concern over the number of road incidents involving them and greater awareness of changes to the Highway Code.

It “calls on the Government to... improve public awareness, enforce safe driving and protect horses and riders on UK roads”.

EDMs are a way MPs can highlight and submit issues for debate. Mr Dillon's came after he was involved in the British Horse Society (BHS) and Project EDWARD (Every Day Without a Road Death) awareness ride from Lambourn to Windsor (news, 22 May).

“I’ve been proud to support this important campaign,” Mr Dillon told H&H. “For many, riding is part of daily life, our local economy and heritage. Every rider should feel safe.