Major Oxfordshire road disrupted by organised pony and trap racing

Thames Valley Police attended scenes on the A40 near Witney this morning (Saturday, February 8), in which people were racing horses and light carriages down the roadway. 

The organised activity had been relocated from its original planned location in Chalfont St Peter and Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, after police prevented it there.

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A spokesperson for the force said: “Thames Valley Police were deployed to the scene of the A40 area of Witney due to a privately organised pony and trap event that had gathered.

“Pony and Trap racing is not an illegal activity, however we have been on scene to maintain the safety of the public and monitor for any dangerous or criminal activity by those taking part in the event.

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“The disruption to the road network was minimal and the event has now finished. One vehicle was seized for having no insurance.

“We will always work to maintain public safety and minimise the disruption to our communities and take robust action where we have legal grounds to do so.”

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After races were organised for the Buckinghamshire area, police issued a Section 34 Dispersal Order, in force from 3am on Saturday, February 8 until 3am on Monday, February 10.

It follows multiple reports of pony and trap racing in the area on the A413 in Chalfont St Peter over several weekends.

Organisers moved this weekend’s race to the Witney area, arriving before 8am this morning near Jeremy Clarkson’s The Farmer’s Dog pub.