Council progresses proposals to introduce Public Spaces Protection Order banning pony and trap racing on two A-roads

In a Cabinet meeting on 21 April, Cllr Steve Bowles, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, asked the local authority's leader to approve the recommendation to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) on the A413 and A40, preventing occurrences of pony and trap racing, while providing Thames Valley Police with “clear, enforceable powers to address non‑compliance”.

He said: “Persistent, unregulated pony and trap racing along the A413 and A40 cause significant risks to road safety by obstructing and disrupting the highway network, and create an intimidating environment for road users and local residents.

“In accordance with statutory requirements, a public consultation was undertaken between December 2025 and January 2026 to seek stakeholder and resident views on introducing a PSPO to address this behaviour. The consultation returned strong support for intervention, with the majority of respondents recognising the problem and endorsing the proposal for restrictions on both highways.”

Sections 59 and 61 of the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 give Local Authorities the power to create, extend, vary and discharge Public Spaces Protection Orders.

PSPOs can be enforced by council officers and the police, who can issue fines of £60, rising to £100.

Subject to formal approval by the council, the PSPO is proposed to come into force on 5 May 2026.

Cllr Bowles said: “Buckinghamshire Council is progressing proposals for a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for the A413 and A40 to address the longstanding and dangerous issue of unauthorised pony and trap racing on stretches of these routes.

"This activity has taken place for a number of years and has created serious road safety risks, significant traffic disruption and ongoing concern for local communities. Thames Valley Police recorded 639 racing‑related incidents between 2020 and 2025, which underlines the persistent nature of the problem.

"A six‑week public consultation showed strong public support for action, with 95% of respondents supporting a PSPO on the A413 and 83% supporting one on the A40.

"Subject to formal approval, the PSPO is proposed to come into force on 5 May 2026 and would provide Thames Valley Police with clearer, enforceable powers to prevent and disrupt racing activity before it occurs. We will continue to work closely with the police and our partners to help keep these key routes safe for road users and local communities.”

Lottie Winson