CONCERNED horse riders have been forced to start wearing helmet cameras, following a number of close-calls on the roads around Neyland.

Penny Joubert and Jane Howell, from Waterston and Mastlebridge; Anthea Jones, from Rosemarket; and Kay Sinclair-Jones, from Johnston, say some drivers are putting themselves, riders, horses, and other road users at risk.

After raising the issue at a police PACT meeting, the group has been working with PCSOs from Milford Haven to highlight the issue, and improve road safety.

Passing too close, sounding horns, revving engines, and breaking or accelerating suddenly when near horses are the most common offences, said Penny.

She said erratic or dangerous driving frightened horses and riders, and as well as endangering lives, could also undo ‘years of good training’ for animals.

Because of persistent problems, many riders have now started wearing helmet-mounted cameras to film their rides, and will be passing on footage of concern to the police.

PCSO Stacy Thomas, of Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) said any riders who experience an aggressive driver should make a note of the number plate, make, model and colour of a troublesome vehicle, and that all complaints will be taken seriously.

The group would also like to see local riders improve their own safety, by wearing high visibility clothing, avoiding riding in low light, and riding single file when it is safe for a motorist to overtake.

And their advice to cyclists is: “Just call out and say hi, so we know you are coming.”

“I can see the problem from both sides, I’m a car driver too,” said Penny.

“We just want people to be aware and slow down. Give us time and space to move over.”

Added Jane: “We just want to enjoy the countryside in peace.”

PCSO Thomas added: “Pembrokeshire is a rural community with many narrow country roads joining the towns and villages.

“Horses are large animals that can panic and bolt if startled, this is very dangerous for the horse, rider and other road users.

“Following recent complaints from horse riders on the Milford Haven Section regarding the manner of driving of some road users when passing horses, we would like to remind drivers of their obligation to horse riders using the highway.”

For further tips, visit think.direct.gov.uk/horses.