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Newmarket, Equestrian Crossings

Background

EAS has been appointed by Jockey Club Estates Ltd to
undertake a review of equestrian crossing points
throughout Newmarket with mind to improving safety
for horses, their riders and public highway users.
Newmarket is unique in the number of horses crossing
its urban and rural road network. On a daily basis strings
of horses up to 30 in number can be seen crossing
roads, many may cross in the busiest periods.
Newmarket is a horse racing town and horse racing
heavily influences the economy, geography and
demographics of the town.

Key Issues

The local press and The Racing Post regularly cover
issues regarding the danger of or perceived danger of
horse crossing points in Newmarket.There is a clear
public and industry concern. Many articles describe
inappropriate speed limits and lack of traffic calming as
issues.

EAS Solutions

EAS undertook a statistical study of accidents in the
Newmarket area as a whole and consulted all the key
stakeholders including Jockey Club Estates, Suffolk
County Council Highways, Cambridgeshire County
Council Highways, Forest Heath District Council, horse
riders and trainers.

As a result EAS came up with design solutions for
individual crossings and area wide improvements.
With respect to the individual site proposals, the visual
elements will become familiar to drivers and on
observation will lead to immediate identification of a
horse crossing point even from a distance. With respect
to the greater area proposals, it is felt that the current
system of verge and hedge maintenance gives a distinct
quality to the area. Implementation of boundary signs
should reinforce the message that a driver is entering a
unique environment.

The study aims to benefit all road users, and make use
of approved, tried and tested road safety measures or
those that have been installed as a result of specific
approvals for trials elsewhere. Further specific approvals
may be sought if it is found that a new product has
emerged that is likely to be highly effective in these
circumstances