Taking the Reins: Liberal Democrats Lead the Charge for Horse and Rider Road Safety

​For too long, the safety of horse riders on our rural roads has been treated as a niche concern. But for the Liberal Democrats, the message is clear: horse riders are a vital part of the rural economy and community, and the status quo of "near misses" and tragic fatalities is no longer acceptable. 

​In a recent landmark Westminster Hall debate, Liberal Democrat MPs took a stand against the rising tide of road incidents, demanding that the Government move beyond warm words and take concrete legislative action to protect some of our most vulnerable road users.

​The Shocking Reality on Our Roads

​The statistics brought forward by Liberal Democrat MPs paint a harrowing picture of the dangers faced by the equestrian community. While the Government’s new road safety strategy aspires to make every individual feel "safe and supported," the data suggests otherwise.

​3,000+ road incidents involving horses were reported to the British Horse Society in 2024.

​58 horses lost their lives on UK roads in a single year, with nearly 100 more injured.  

​81% of incidents are caused by motorists passing too quickly or too closely.  

​Lee Dillon MP, who secured the debate, highlighted that these are not just numbers, but lives:   

​"Unfortunately, for many horse riders across the country, that aspiration [of safety] does not reflect their lived reality... just last week, a horse was hit by a car in Winchester and had to be euthanised. This is not a niche problem."

​The Liberal Democrat Solution: The Road Traffic (Horse and Rider Safety) Bill

​The Liberal Democrats aren't just identifying the problem; they are providing the solution. Lee Dillon’s presentation Bill seeks to close the gaps that the current Highway Code leaves open. The party is calling for a "Fair Deal" for all road users, built on a culture of mutual respect rather than punishment.

​Dr. Danny Chambers MP, a professional vet, added his weight to the cause by describing the traumatic reality of these accidents:  

​"I have stitched up and euthanised more horses that have been hit by cars than I can remember—they get broken legs and their owners are injured. This is a very regular occurrence for vets."

​Key demands of the Bill and Lib Dem policy include:

​Strengthening the Highway Code: Moving from "should" to "must" regarding the 10 mph passing speed.

​Driver Education: Mandatory inclusion of equestrian safety in the driving theory test and better national messaging.  

​Victim Recognition: Reforming the law so horses are no longer classed merely as "personal property," allowing for the recognition of emotional distress in legal frameworks.  

​Local Empowerment: Giving communities the power to introduce lower speed limits and "Horse Safe" zones without excessive red tape.

Building the Network: Bridleways and Infrastructure

​A central pillar of the Liberal Democrat approach is the recognition that road safety cannot be achieved through driver education alone; it requires a radical rethink of rural infrastructure. Liberal Democrat MPs argue that the decline of the UK's bridleway network has created a "trap" for riders.

​According to the party’s "Connecting Communities" policy, years of underfunding have forced vulnerable road users onto busy highways because off-road alternatives are either non-existent or in disrepair. John Milne MP pointed to local failures as a symptom of this national crisis:

​"In Shipley, a bridleway bridge has been closed for more than two years with no clear repair timetable, forcing riders on to busy roads simply to access legal routes. Horse riders seem to count as low priority when it comes to highways funding."

​To fix this, the Liberal Democrats have proposed a National Active Travel Strategy that specifically includes equestrians. As outlined in their Policy Review, this includes transforming abandoned rail links into safe, multi-use footpaths and bridleways.

​Standing Up for the Rural Economy

​For the Liberal Democrats, protecting horses is synonymous with protecting the rural economy. In constituencies like Glastonbury and Somerton, where Sarah Dyke MP serves as the party’s Rural Affairs Spokesperson, the equestrian sector is an essential employer.

​The Lib Dems are calling for the Government to view horse safety through an economic lens, noting that the industry contributes billions to the UK GDP. Lee Dillon MP reinforced this, noting that in Lambourn alone, the industry supports one in three local jobs and contributes over £22 million annually.  

​Edward Morello MP, highlighted the frustration of rural constituents who feel ignored:

​"On tight, winding rural roads, the guidance is widely ignored... My constituents are asking for increased signage, more enforcement and clearer information on how police work with the British Horse Society to track and respond to incidents."

​Outcomes and Future Action

​The pressure from the Liberal Democrat benches forced significant concessions from the Government during the debate. The Minister, Lilian Greenwood, committed to:

​Considering equestrian representation on the new national road safety board.  

​Reviewing the provision and management of bridleways with DEFRA colleagues.

​Strengthening guidance for those who drive for work to include horse safety. 

 

​Steff Aquarone MP, summed up the Liberal Democrat ambition:

​"We can do so much better for horse riders and for drivers, too... What helps them helps so many others: we can improve paths, bridleways and access to nature at the same time."

​The Liberal Democrats will continue to push for the Road Traffic (Horse and Rider Safety) Bill to ensure these promises become law, creating safer roads for everyone.