Blogger’s Note: I have never heard of this tradition – but yet again a local activity that defines local people has been taken away. Furthermore, rather disturbingly, the BBC operates what is called “Local Democracy Reporting” – a pseudonym for the national government interfering in local affairs – and falsely packaging this prying as “reporting” news. Indeed, names like this are often used in fascist societies to disguise dictatorial interference in local or regional affairs. This happens when localism diverges from the dictated national policy. This is the enforcing of capitalist globalism which is designed to obliterate all regional difference in identity and relegate it into the service of a dominating ideology and-or ethnicity. Here is the issue, reporting local news has “nothing” to do with “democracy”. It is a matter of transmitting news from one place to another – and has nothing to do with liberal democracy – as there is no need to “vote” every time we perpetuate newsworthy items. “Local Democracy” is used in this context as a “threat” – as it reminds each local citizen that they are subject to the whims of the national government’s will.
Of course, the reactionary far-right also complain about this process, but they mislabel “capitalist globalism” as “internationalism” – pretending the problem derives from Socialism and not capitalism. The far-right is politically illiterate and does not want to admit that their colleagues in capitalism are behind the destructive forces inherent in predatory capitalism. After-all, Socialism hardly exists anywhere, and certainly not to the extent of dictating world affairs. Socialist Internationalism is not capitalist globalism – as they are two very different entities. Internationalism allows for regionalism to manifest in a positive and progressive manner at the world level. Internationalism celebrates difference and does not suppress or deny it. We can all be different and yet interact in a positive and progressive fashion. The far-right, like the global capitalists, wants to attack and destroy all differences – and thus remove the very thing the fascists claim to uphold. ACW (27.4.2026)
By Nathaniel Lawson – Published 23rd Apr 2026
A ban on pony-and-trap on the A413 and A40 is set to come into force at the end of the month.
Steve Bowles, Buckinghamshire Council’s cabinet member for communities, said the new public spaces protection orders, which will come into force on April 30, will tackle the “long-running” issue.
The Conservative member said the decision followed a six week public consultation which showed “strong support” for the plans.
He said: “The community safety team have led on the introduction of a new public spaces protection orders on stretches of the A413 and A40 to tackle the long -running and dangerous issue of unauthorised pony and trap racing, which has led to significant road safety risks, traffic disruption and distress to local communities.
“Thames Valley Police had recorded 639 pony and track racing related incidents between 2020 and 25. This highlights the scale and persistence of the problem. A six-week public consultation showed strong support for action with overwhelming majorities of respondents on both routes recognising the issue and backing the introduction of a PSPO.
“The order comes into force on the 30th of April this year and provides Thames Valley Police with clear enforceable powers to intervene early and prevent racing before it occurs, helping to keep these busy routes safer for our motorists, residents and the wider community.”
The orders would ban the use of horses and carriages on both sides of the A413, from Joiners Lane at the A413 roundabout in Chalfont St Peter, travelling south to the junction of the A413, Oxford Road and Amersham Road, in Denham.
And both sides of the A40, from the Pyebush roundabout in Beaconsfield, travelling southeast to the same A413 junction in Denham.
Pony and trap racing is a form of informal racing where a rider sits in a lightweight cart pulled by a pony or horse, typically travelling at speed along roads rather than regulated tracks. Residents have repeatedly complained that the informal races cause long tailbacks, sudden braking and near misses.
Earlier this month, Thames Valley Police was called to the A413 following reports of racing near Chalfont St Peter. Matthew Barber the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner said: “The local community in South Buckinghamshire have suffered from disruption for pony and trap racing on the A413 for many years.
“Yet many people do not realise that racing horses on the highway is not illegal. Racing motor vehicles is prohibited by the Road Traffic Act 1988, and cycle races are regulated, but racing horses is not.
“Nevertheless the racing has often lead to disruption to traffic, antisocial behaviour, and intimidation to local residents.”
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 