Police Scotland Argyll & West Dunbartonshire
Our community policing team were out in Helensburgh alongside mounted officers and our Road Traffic officers, taking part in Operation Lose the Blinkers.
This follows an increase in reports regarding the manner of driving and driver behaviour when passing horses on our roads.
We were joined by representatives from the British Horse Society and local horse riders who were able to share experiences and concerns.
The BHS has an app which allows riders to log concerns and near-miss incidents.
The initiative has the aim of reminding road users that the public highway is not exclusively for motorists but that other users- walkers, cyclists, horse riders, farmers moving stock – all use the road system to get from A to B as well.
Fifty eight drivers/rider were stopped; 34 drivers and one biker were supported through education to improve driving standards, and 23 drivers were commended for good practice.
This also allowed us to highlight the dangers which are posed to all road users who deserve to travel safely.
Some people are put off from riding as they fear being involved in a collision, and many riders are deterred from riding on the roadway for fear of them or their horses being seriously injured or killed.
We are urging all drivers to give horses as much room as possible and reduce their speed when passing, as failure to give sufficient space is considered careless or even dangerous driving and drivers face prosecution for failing to do so.
We also urge all horse riders to make sure they are as visible as possible, particularly as the days shorten, by wearing high-visibility clothing, using lights, and giving clear signals.