Campaign urges drivers to act responsibly near horses on the county's roads

Members of the Carnoustie, Monifieth and Sidlaws Community Policing Team were joined by colleagues from Road Policing and the Police Scotland Mounted Unit, for Operation Lose the Blinkers, which was carried out in the Kellas and Wellbank areas of Angus.

The initiative focuses on educating motorists about sharing the road safely and responsibly with vulnerable road users, helping to make our roads safer for everyone.

It follows incidents reported via the British Horse Society (BHS) from horse riders in the local area

As well as stopping 106 vehicles:-

• 49 drivers were commended for their considerate driving and safe overtaking of horses
• 55 drivers received advice and education on reducing speed, allowing sufficient space and passing horses safely
• Two Fixed Penalty Notices were issued for road traffic offences

Constable Martyn Brennan, from the community team, said: “This is the third year we have delivered Operation Lose the Blinkers in Angus South, reflecting our ongoing commitment to improving safety on our rural roads.

“Following concerns raised by local horse riders, this operation gave us the opportunity to engage with motorists, promote safer driving and encourage everyone to share the road responsibly.

“I would like to thank the British Horse Society for their continued support and expertise, and Murroes Livery Yard for kindly providing us with an operational base.”

Drivers are being encouraged, if they see a horse on the road, to:-

• Slow down to a maximum of 10mph
• Be patient, do not sound the horn or rev the engine
• Pass the horse wide and slow – at least two metres
• Drive slowly away

The campaign relies strongly on horse incidents being recorded on the BHS Horse i app, which prompted the action taken in Angus. All riders are being urged to download the app, details of which can be found at https://shorturl.at/aXQcp.