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Written question asked by Roz Savage (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 10 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. It was answered by Lilian Greenwood (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Roads: Horses

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to improve road safety for equestrians; and whether he plans to update Highway Code guidance or introduce further statutory protections for horse riders.

Answer

The Highway Code was updated in 2022 to improve road safety for people walking, cycling and riding horses including the introduction of a hierarchy of road users.

Following these updates the Department ran large-scale THINK! advertising campaigns to raise awareness of the changes.

We are also running year-round radio filler adverts encouraging compliance with the guidance to improve safety for those walking, cycling and horse riding. We will also continue to promote the changes via THINK! and Department for Transport social media channels, as well as through partner organisations.

However, as set out in the Road Safety Strategy published on 7 January, more work is needed to continue embedding these changes and overall awareness of the Highway Code. We are considering options in this area, and further details will be shared in due course.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
126422
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Horses Roads Safety Highway code
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk