Thousands sign petition calling for drivers to slow down for horses
A petition launched by a Cornish rider to get drivers to slow down for horses has had more than 17,000 signatures in four days.
Debbie Smith launched the petition on 14 September after numerous run-ins with drivers going too fast on the local lanes around Penzance.
The latest incident occurred last week when she was out hacking with her 17-year-old daughter.
The car towing a small trailer stopped when he saw the pair riding but as soon as they started to walk in single file he “drove at us and went straight past ignoring my hand signals to stop,” said Debbie.
There was just one foot between Debbie’s horse Noel, a 16hh Andalusian cross, and the car.
The incident was recorded on the camera on Debbie’s hat.
Last year another driver came up behind her horse. She said they revved the engine and roared past.
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“It was unbelievable,” she said. “But when I say to people why don’t you slow down they say we don’t have to.”
Another Cornish rider in nearby Marazion was interviewed on the local radio station after she successfully sued a driver for driving into her horse cutting his legs.
“The roads are becoming much more dangerous,” said Debbie. “There’s heavier traffic using the country lanes and drivers are going too fast and don’t slow down for horse riders.”
The petition will then be presented to local MP, the Conservative Derek Thomas.
Last month another campaign to get drivers to slow down for horses was launched by Kent-based rider Lauren De Grunchy (as reported in H&H 18 August)
Hundreds of riders posted pictures of themselves on social media leading or riding their horse in their underwear with the caption “Will you slow down for me now?”
To sign Debbie Smith’s petition, click here
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