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.”
