Public Spaces Protection Order introduced to tackle dangerous pony and trap racing on the A40
A new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has been approved to prevent illegal pony and trap racing along a stretch of the A40 between Witney and Burford, following serious safety concerns raised by residents and Thames Valley Police (TVP).
In response to repeated incidents involving pony and trap racing on the A40 between Downs Road Bridge in Witney and Asthall roundabout near Burford, TVP formally requested that the Council implement a PSPO to prohibit the activity. The request followed 19 recorded incidents since 2020, many of which involved racing taking place without warning and vehicles pulling onto verges to unload horses and traps, creating a dangerous and unpredictable environment for road users.
A public consultation on the proposed PSPO ran between 10 October and 21 November 2025, with people asked for their views on the ban. A strong majority were in favour, and the order has now been finalised and approved. Signage will now be installed along the affected route to make drivers and the wider public aware of the restrictions.
Councillor Geoff Saul, Executive Member for Housing and Social Care, said:
“We’ve listened to residents and acted to keep people safe. This PSPO is a practical step to help prevent a dangerous activity that puts drivers, riders and animals at serious risk. We’ll continue to work closely with Thames Valley Police to protect our communities and maintain public safety.”
The PSPO will remain in place for three years, during which time it will be monitored and reviewed to ensure it remains effective. Enforcement of the order will be led by TVP, with the Council supporting on the issuing of fines and case management.
Residents who witness breaches of the order or have information about pony and trap racing on the A40 are urged to report it directly to Thames Valley Police.
Contact Information
West Oxfordshire District Council Communications Team
Notes to editors
The new PSPO, brought in under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, will prohibit pony and trap racing on the affected stretch of road. It follows repeated reports of racing, suspected gambling, and horse trading, all taking place on a busy section of dual carriageway used by thousands of drivers every day.
The full report is available here.