Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois recently spent a Sunday morning supporting an awareness ride held by the Canewdon Equestrian’s to help promote the safety of horse riders on public roads.
Over a dozen riders met at Hockley Woods and conducted a ride, accompanied by stewards handing out leaflets to passers-by, all designed to help raise the profile of horse riders and how they are treated by motorists.
Mark has been associated with the group for some time and has backed their campaign to lower the speed limit on Lark Hill Road, Canewdon, from 60mph to 40 mph, following a horrific accident two years ago when one of their horses was killed by a speeding motorist. The Canewdon Equestrians have since been actively lobbying senior councillors at County Hall in Chelmsford to try reduce the speed limit on this road.
Commenting about his attendance and support for the campaign, Mark Francois said:
“The Canewdon Equestrians do very valuable work in trying to highlight the safety issues which horse riders face. Following the awful accident on Lark Hill Road two years ago, I hope that Essex County Council can be persuaded to introduce a lower speed limit on that road, which is frequently used by horse riders and would help to improve safety for both riders and motorists alike.”