Council and police to take action to address dangerous pony and trap racing on the A40
West Oxfordshire District Council in partnership with Thames Valley Police, is taking decisive action to prevent dangerous Pony and Trap racing on the A40 dual carriageway. This joint initiative aims to ensure the safety of all road users and to maintain unimpeded access for emergency services along this vital transport route.
Recent incidents have raised serious concerns about the risk posed by unauthorised racing, including high-speed activity and the obstruction of traffic on a major public highway. Such activity not only endangers those directly involved but also creates hazardous conditions for other drivers and delays critical emergency response times.
Councillor Geoff Saul, Executive Member for Housing and Social Care, said:
"We understand that Pony and Trap racing has cultural significance for some, but the A40 is not the place for it. Public roads must be safe for everyone. We are working closely with the police to enforce restrictions and prevent further incidents before someone is seriously hurt or worse."
The Council will launch a 6-week public consultation to gather views from residents, communities, and stakeholders on a proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which if supported gives the Police powers to tackle dangerous Pony and Trap racing on the A40 dual carriageway.
The consultation will run from Friday 10 October 2025 to Friday 21 November 2025 and is open to all. There will also be a Public meeting on the 22 October at Windrush Church of England Primary School between 18.00 to 21.00, with the aim of listening to residents, community leaders, and those with lived experience of the issue.