Buckinghamshire Council’s public space protection order (PSPO) states that while pony and traps can still be used for transportation purposes, they cannot be used for racing or timed trials on those roads.
PSPOs are powers which can be used by local authorities to deal with particular nuisances that affect a local community’s quality of life.
They can be enforced by council officers and the police, who can issue fines of £60, rising to £100.
Steve Bowles, the Conservative cabinet member for communities, said the protection orders were in place to “tackle the long-running and dangerous issue of unauthorised pony and trap racing, which has led to significant road safety risks, traffic disruption and distress to local communities”.
The orders would allow police to “prevent racing before it occurs, helping to keep these busy routes safer”, Bowles added.
But some locals are worried.
Anthony is not a traveller but uses a horse and cart. He said many of those who race ponies are not local.
“I’m concerned that a ban, without clear communication, means I’ll be assumed to be engaging in illegal racing.
“This blanket ban risks disproportionately impacting those of us who live here and use the roads responsibly, while not addressing the root of the issue.”
