Police Target Drivers Passing Horses Dangerously

Police have launched an operation targeting drivers who don’t pass horses safely on country lanes across Harborough.

Operation Snaffle is in response to concerns from riders about the way some motorists behave when they come across them on the road.

The Leicestershire force’s Rural Policing Team is heading up the action and has teamed up volunteers on horseback for it.

Operation Snaffle took place earlier this week

Officers have also partnered with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service to utilise its virtual reality ‘Hazard Express’ vehicle, so drivers can experience what it is like to be on a horse when passed by a vehicle in a dangerous manner.

Earlier this week the operation took place in the Leire, Frolesworth, Broughton Astley, Willoughby Waterleys, Peatling Magna, Peatling Parva and Ashby Magna areas.

Over 80 vehicles passed the horse and three drivers were deemed to have done so in an inappropriate way.

PC Kelly Tones is involved in the action and spoke to HFM about the operation and the way the virtual reality equipment is being used to educate drivers:

Operation Snaffle took place earlier this week

Operation Snaffle took place earlier this week