Your Horse column – Will I be fined for riding on the pavement?

Can you settle an argument between my friend and I?

I think that when traffic’s heavy and it’s safe to do so it’s better to ride on the pavement than road, but my friend says this isn’t legal and we could get into trouble. Is it possible to get a fine for riding on pavements?

Whilst it can be tempting to ride on the pavement when traffic is heavy your friend is correct in saying that it is not legal. Every person who rides on the footway of any street or allows their horse to be tied or stand on a street commits an offence under section 28 of the Town Police Clause Act 1847. The penalty is a level three fine which on the standard scale amounts to £1,000.

PDF Documents: CCE27052011_00000.pdf