New road safety facilities in Berkswell for local horse riders

Solihull Council has installed a new push button to the Nailcote Lane traffic signals to help horse riders cross the narrow railway bridge in Berkswell.

The push button is positioned high up so that it can be reached from horseback and local horse rider Louise Wiseman helped to determine its positioning.

The signals feature above ground detection cameras to ensure that traffic is stopped until the horse is clear of the bridge – which is a single lane wide.

Riders will simply enter their demand by pushing the button, the light will then turn green to indicate that it is safe for them to proceed whilst the traffic is stopped on the opposing approach.

This comes as a welcome change for equestrians in the area, who previously had no help to cross the single lane bridge safely unless they happened to be behind a car.

The new facilities have been praised by the British Horse Society (BHS) who, as part of their Dead Slow campaign, report that 75% of road accidents involving a horse and rider happen because a vehicle passes the horse without allowing adequate space. This is likely on the Nailcote Lane railway bridge due to its narrow width.

Alan Hiscox, Director of Safety at the BHS, said: “This is a perfect example of a Local Authority listening to horse riders and the challenges they face riding on the roads.

“The BHS really appreciates the attention and speed with which Solihull Council has addressed this safety issue after it was raised by local riders including Louise.”

Councillor Ted Richards, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, said: “It is great to be able to improve the safety of this bridge for our road users with these new facilities.

“They will make it safer for horse riders to cross the bridge and will reduce the chance of a vehicle startling their horse as they cross.

“This is also beneficial to other road users as a startled horse could pose danger to them too.”

Photo: Local horse rider Louise Wiseman and her horse Mable using the push button.