Petition launched to protect horse riders in North East Lincolnshire village

A section of the A18, Barton Street, between East Ravendale and Ashby cum Fenby
-Credit: (Image: Google Streetview)


Residents in a rural part of North East Lincolnshire have petitioned the council for a special horse crossing over an A-road.

Eighty-two people have signed a petition calling for a Pegasus crossing to connect two bridleways either side of the A18, where it travels between Ashby cum Fenby and East Ravendale. Dianne Brown, states in the petition that her granddaughter had a near miss incident on a horse, crossing the A18.

She has been in contact with the council, and horse warning signs have been installed, but she feels more is needed. The petition has been received by North East Lincolnshire Council and a report will look into what can be done to address safety concerns.

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"My granddaughter had a problem whilst out riding her horse trying to cross the A18 out of a blind spot when the horse was unable to see oncoming traffic," Ms Brown says in the Change.org petition. Horse and rider ended up in front of a car, which fortunately was not travelling too fast at the time. "This really highlighted the problem for horse riders, carriage drivers, walkers, cyclists and drivers trying to cross this busy road."

She states a safe crossing place is urgently needed for those who follow the bridleway between East Ravendale and Ashby cum Fenby, which involves crossing the A18, Barton Street. "The current situation poses significant risks due to limited visibility and high-speed traffic."

Safety concerns were first raised with the council's bridleways officer two years ago, the petition says. The transport department promised and installed horse warning signs this summer, but Ms Brown feels a horse-specific pegasus crossing is needed.

Pegasus crossings are a type of traffic light crossing specialised for horse riders. It is similar to Toucan crossings, but has horserider symbols and higher position to press the button, to suit horseriders better.

The petition was received by Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for housing, infrastructure and transport, at a meeting. He has commissioned a report by council officers, which will include outlined recommendations on how to address the issue.