Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Pony and Trap Racing: Regulation

02 September 2025 · 3 other contributors · 2,504 words

Opened by Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham

Responding minister: Lilian Greenwood

TransportEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Sarah Green raised concerns about pony and trap racing: regulation in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The debate highlights the lack of regulation for pony and trap racing, posing significant safety risks to drivers, pedestrians, and animals.
  • Sarah Green requests a licensing scheme similar to cycle races under the Road Traffic Act 1988 to regulate pony and trap racing events.
  • The Minister acknowledges road safety concerns but states existing legislation is sufficient to address unlawful racing without plans to regulate pony and trap racing similarly to cycling races.

Key requests to Government

Sarah asks for a licensing scheme similar to those for cycle races under the Road Traffic Act 1988 to ensure proper regulation of pony and trap racing events.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham

The debate highlights the lack of regulation for pony and trap racing, which poses significant safety risks to drivers, pedestrians, and animals. In Sarah Green's constituency, regular racing events disrupt communities and endanger road users on busy dual carriageways like the A413, leading to multiple incidents in recent years.

Other contributors (3)
  • Danny Chambers LD Winchester

    Dr Danny Chambers raises concerns about animal welfare during pony and trap races, noting injuries to horses due to immature development and excessive weight carried by the animals. He supports regulation as much for animal welfare as public safety.

  • James Chambers Con Winchester

    The hon. Member for Winchester raised animal welfare concerns regarding pony and trap racing.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon agrees with Sarah Green, highlighting a case in Northern Ireland where a teen lost control of a sulky cart on public roads, causing serious injury. He advocates for greater discussion and guidance from the devolved nations.

Government Response

Lilian Greenwood

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport

The Minister acknowledged the importance of road safety, noting that existing powers under current legislation are sufficient to address unlawful pony and trap racing. She stated there were no plans to regulate such events similarly to cycling races but offered to meet with the hon. Lady to review evidence on the issue.

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