‘We’ll have more accidents’: Former master urges riders to sign speed petition
A former master of foxhounds has urged fellow riders to sign a petition to the government calling for lower speed limits on rural roads.
Ian Anderson, long-term hunter with the Ashford Valley Tickham (AVTH), in Kent, believes anyone “interested in the preservation of country life” should sign the petition, which calls for the limit to be reduced from 60 to 30mph on single-track country lanes.
Mr Anderson said the matter is a “top priority”.
“It is essential these speeds are reduced to a significant low level,” he told H&H.
“We’ve seen a great increase in the number of accidents involving horses on these lanes and B roads, but there also seems to have been a decrease in the authorities’ taking action in this respect.
“Even wearing head cameras by riders isn’t considered significant evidence, although the riders have noticed a good proportion of drivers note the cameras’ presence and change their attitude and speed accordingly.”
Mr Anderson said a friend of his had had a recent bad experience on the roads.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“A van whizzed by, then the driver jumped out and said: ‘If you don’t like it, don’t ride on the roads; it’s a 60mph limit’,” he said.
“I think a lot of drivers are ignorant; they believe animals react like cars.”
Mr Anderson, who was master of the AVTH for 10 years and still “goes out occasionally”, is trying to spread the word about the petition though Bethersden Parish Council, on which he sits, and says the problem is exacerbated by the downgrading of bridleways and housing developments in the area.
Continues below…
Related articles:
- Horse thrown into the air in horror car collision caught on CCTV *warning, distressing video*
- Owner of horse killed in funeral procession supports road safety petition
- Riders strip off to make drivers slow down
“If people drive without due care and attention, and developments go on like this, we’ll have more accidents,” he said.
“I’d like to see this go to parliament.”
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.