BHS petition calls for bigger say for equestrians in access law-making
The British Horse Society is calling on all equestrians to sign a petition asking the Government to give them a say in all new access and rights of way legislation.
The BHS Access Department and its regional access and bridleway officers would like riders and other horse lovers to sign the petition at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Equestrianaccess/
Equestrians are the most vulnerable of road users and need increased off-road access for their safety and the welfare of their horses. Horse riding and driving provides healthy outdoor exercise, which the Government is keen to encourage.
It is enjoyed by more than four million people in the UK and is the second biggest land-based industry, but equestrians have not been included in recent access-creating legislation which would help make them safer and encourage healthy outdoor recreation.
Mark Weston, BHS Director of Access, Safety and Welfare, said: "It is vital that we use all means available to impress on the Government that equestrians need more and safer access. E-petitions are one way of showing the demand, along with writing to our MPs."
The recent petition calling for amendments to the equestrian sections of the Highway Code attracted just under 20,000 signatures, showing the amount of concern there was in the equestrian community.
For further information, please contact: Mark Weston, Director of Access, Safety and Welfare, The British Horse Society, on 01926 707760 or mark.weston@bhs.org.uk |
