Disabled Driver Questionnaire
We want to produce a driver information programme for our disabled customers. To help us produce the best possible guidance, please take a few minutes to fill in our questionnaire.
Better information for your journey
The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions
Lane Hog!
John Stapleton looks into why people Lane Hog and what effects it has on the driver hogging the lane and other road users.
Educating tomorrow's drivers
See how we are driving through key messages about safety on our network for the drivers of tomorrow.
Meet the Ancestors
Find out about the history of roads and the work the Agency does to preserve archaeological remains.
See when traffic will be lightest
Our traffic forecaster can help get you there quicker
Horse Riders
Horse Riders
Overview
Horse riders all over the country frequently use Highways Agency bridges to cross motorways and major trunk roads. We work together with the British Horse Society (BHS) and are continually doing our best to ensure that safety requirements are met to make these crossings as user friendly as possible. People use our roads to transport horses by horsebox or lorry and some horses reside next to our roads in fields and stables.
The Highways Agency consult the BHS when designing and building bridges for horse riders, we also have a programme of helping to eliminate Ragwort (a harmful weed to horses and cattle), as well as giving safety advice to horse owners who are transporting their horse on the road network.
The Highways Agency advises drivers to take care when horses are being ridden alongside roads. Horses are unpredictable by nature and road users should treat horses as a potential hazard and expect the unexpected. Horses are easily scared by noise and may panic around fast moving vehicles. Drivers are therefore advised to slow down around horses.
Issues
Horse riding is an important part of daily recreational life, especially in rural areas. However, the standard of facilities to accommodate equestrians, either crossing or riding along the trunk road, is of variable standard.
Heavy traffic and excessive speed can give rise to grave danger and discouragement for horses and their riders.
Our Objectives
To provide improved facilities for horse riders, particularly in terms of crossing the trunk road network.
Actions will include:
- Establishing, in collaboration with other parties, the particular requirements of horse riders at both ground-level crossings and flyovers.
- Developing advice for all Highways Agency staff on horse riders facilities.
- Establishing a strategy for verges which link up bridleways which terminate at the trunk road.
- Considering how provision for horse riding ‘along’ the trunk road can be made outside the highway boundary.
