Horse riders told: Don’t text and trot
THE MENACE of horse riders using mobile phones has been raised in Parliament after tensions flared in the countryside.
Bosworth MP Luke Evans raised the issue with the Department for Transport after complaints from his Leicestershire constituents. He has threatened to push for further action if problems persist.
Mr Evans was contacted by locals worried about the risk to safety. It has been illegal to drive a car while holding a mobile since 2003, and Mr Evans demanded to know what plans the department has to introduce penalties for people on horses and bicycles whose mobile phone use leads to accidents.
The Government has warned that riders and cyclists who act irresponsibly are already at risk of prosecution, and safety campaigners have urged people not to make calls while in motion.
Tory MP Mr Evans said: “Constituents have told me about concerns of incidents caused by riders and cyclists using mobile phones and as a result I wanted to follow this up and to ask ministers for reassurances that action can be taken if an accident is indeed caused by negligence.”
Nick Lloyd of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents urged people not to use their phones while out riding or cycling.
He said: “Research shows that using a mobile phone is a distraction, making it more difficult to spot hazards while affecting a rider’s general observational ability. ROSPA is not calling for this practice to be made illegal as it could be difficult to enforce, however I would urge all riders to exercise common sense and to stop at a safe place before using their mobile phone.” The transport minister Rachel Maclean said: “The Government has no current plans to introduce new penalties for cyclists and horse riders using mobile phones while riding. All road users are required to comply with road traffic law in the interests of their own safety and that of other road users.
“For those who do not adopt a responsible attitude, there are already laws in place that can make them liable for prosecution.
“The official Highway Code explains the law and gives advice for cyclists and horse riders on how to safely use our roads.”