Operation Close Pass – horse riders support road safety operation

Drivers are being reminded of the importance of driving slowly and giving space when going past horses on roads in Suffolk.

Officers recently went out onto Suffolk’s roads to educate road users about Operation Close Pass.

Working with the British Horse Society (BHS) and horseback Police Support Volunteers (PSV), police monitored driving standards, speaking to those that drove too quickly or failed to give at least the required two-metre space to the riders and their horses.

Operation Close Pass is a nationwide operation focusing on road safety of other road users including cyclists and horse riders.

This was the first time that Suffolk had run an Op Close Pass day of action with horse riders.

PSV Sarah Hills supported the operation riding her horse Robbie as did fellow PSV David Taylor using a carriage pulled by his horses Noah and Polly (pictured above).

The operation was run in conjunction with the Rural and Wildlife Crime Team and the Roads Casualty Reduction Team.

Lucy Gooderham, the BHS regional manager for East of England, also attended to support the day and provide guidance.

The horses were ridden in rural village areas with an officer monitoring and communicating any drivers not passing correctly.

These were subsequently stopped and given advice in relation to the highway code and road safety. In total eight vehicles were stopped.

PC Sophie Buckle, of the Rural and Wildlife Crime Team, said: “All drivers were very receptive of the advice and there were also lots of considerate drivers seen.

“It’s important drivers remember that the correct passing speed is 10mph and that other road users such as horses and their riders or cyclists should be given a two-metre passing distance.

“Low speeds to pass are important as horses can spook sideways. Low speeds give drivers more time to react to any sudden movements.”