NEW statistics have revealed the number of road incidents involving horses in Wirral last year.

The data, released by The British Horse Society as part of the Dead Slow campaign, have revealed that from January 1 2022 to December 31 2022 there was a total of 17 incidents in Wirral.

This is an increase of two from the previous year (2021), which totaled 15.

Across the UK, the equine charity received details of over 3,550 equine-related road incidents in 2022, which is a notable 21% increase from the number reported in 2021.

Of these, 68 horses died and 125 were injured.

The new Highway Code guidelines include setting the advisory speed for passing people riding horses or driving horse-drawn vehicles at 10mph, and advising drivers to allow at least two metres of space.

Another key change was the new Hierarchy of Road Users, with horse riders now, alongside pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, recognised as road users most likely to be injured in the event of a collision.

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'We will continue to promote riding and road safety'

Sgt Daniel Harris from the Mounted Section at Merseyside Police said: "We have established a positive working relationship with the North West British Horse Society over recent years and continue to work collaboratively to promote riding and road safety.

"We have also previously launched Operation Safe Pass, which has already had results on Wirral and St Helens as well as assisting colleagues in Cheshire to tackle some of their problem areas.

"We utilise data from the BHS to identify sites where incidents have been reported and look to target our activity to these areas. We use plain-clothed Mounted police officers, colleagues from the department and the Roads Policing Bike Team to stop any identified drivers and look to educate them on how to pass safely.

"In addition to this, we have visited several riding schools and livery yards and given out information on the Riding Code of Conduct that the BHS produced on how to share the roads safely.

"Merseyside Police has received a national award in relation to Operation Brookdale for improving safety on bridle paths by tackling the anti-social use of off-road motorcycles.

"We have also been involved in their launch of national campaigns and continue to work closely with them to promote safe sharing of the roads by drivers and equestrians with the ultimate aim of reducing accidents and serious injury collisions. We also want to avoid near misses through education.

"We will continue to work with the North West British Horse Society and the Road Safety Partnership to promote riding and road safety.

Advice for motorists

"We would remind motorists of the following when passing horses:

  • Slow down to a maximum of 10mph
  • Be patient – don’t sound your horn or rev your engine
  • Pass wide and slow (two metres or at least a car’s width if possible)
  • Drive slowly away (avoid excessive revving or wheel spin etc)"