CAMPAIGNERS to improve road safety for horse riders are calling for the issue to be debated in The Senedd.

Jocelle Lovell and Rachel Francis from Penarth along with Ulkrike Smalley from Dinas Powys and Angela Baker of Barry set up the Pass, Wide and Slow campaign after Ms Lovell's 12-year-old daughter was thrown from her horse after it was spooked by a car speeding past her.

They recently presented their 1700 signature petition to the National Assembly for Wales calling for better driver awareness of the dangers riders face on the roads.

They now want to take the matter further – and have the issue debated in the Senedd and a have a long term goal of creating an annual awareness campaign

Jocelle Lovell said that the campaign is building momentum.

The petition has been discussed twice by the Petitions Committee.

The first hearing was in October where the committee called for further evidence from the British Horse Society and asked Ken Skates the cabinet secretary for economy and transport what Welsh Government were doing in relation to riders and horses as vulnerable road users.

After receiving the responses the committee reviewed the evidence in November and agreed to write to the police and crime commissioners to see what they were doing on this matter, and, to go back to Ken Skates asking him to outline exactly what actions Welsh Government had taken.

"Sadly during this period another horse had been killed on the road in the Vale of Glamorgan," said Ms Lovell.

"We met with Andrew RT Davies on December 15 to ask for his support in raising the issue for debate in the Senedd.

"This issue affects people across most if not all constituents across Wales, we hope that raising the issue will secure the support of more Welsh AMs.

"We are also working closely with the British Horse Society and South Wales Police and hope to achieve our aim of having an annual awareness campaign."

South Wales Central AM Andrew RT Davies – who chairs the Assembly’s cross party group on horses – met up with Jo Lovell and Rachel Francis from the campaign at Ms Lovell's Penarth home.

He has now entered the ballot for a short debate and also plans to table a backbench debate to ensure the campaign is discussed by AMs in the Senedd.

Mr Davies said: "It was great to meet up with Jo and Rachel again and discuss their exciting plans for Pass Wide and Slow.

"The petition was a great success but this must only be the start.

"We now need to ensure AMs and Welsh Government Ministers realise how vital it is action is taken to make our roads safer.

"I’m delighted to offer support – and have entered the ballot for a short debate in the Assembly.

"In the new year – I will also look to build cross-party support for a backbench motion to be debated in the Senedd."