The UK government has announced plans to ban pony and trap racing on roads across the country, citing concerns over road safety and the risk of accidents. The ban is part of a broader effort to improve safety on UK roads and will apply to all pony and trap racing events, including those held on public highways and private land.
Travellers living in areas where pony and trap racing is popular have expressed concerns that the ban will affect their legal use of horse and carts on the roads. The organisation, which represents travellers, has argued that the ban is unnecessary and will have a negative impact on the community.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said that the ban is necessary to protect the safety of all road users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The spokesperson added that the government is working closely with travellers and other stakeholders to find alternative solutions that will allow horse-drawn carts to continue to be used on the roads, while also prioritising safety.
The ban is expected to come into effect in the coming months, although a precise date has not been confirmed. In the meantime, pony and trap racing events will be allowed to continue, but organisers will be required to comply with new safety regulations.
Travellers and other stakeholders have been invited to provide feedback on the plans, with many expressing concerns about the impact on their way of life. The ban is likely to be met with resistance from some members of the community, who argue that it will unfairly restrict their freedom to use horse-drawn carts on the roads.