Pony and trap racing events in Thames Valley stopped by police

Planned pony and trap racing events have been stopped by police to prevent “significant disruption”, officers said.

Dispersal orders for areas around the A40 in Burford, Oxfordshire, and Lower Road in Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, were issued by Thames Valley Police for planned private events on Sunday.

Supt Nicole Murphy said pony and trap racing was “not illegal in isolation”, but added that previous races held in the area in recent months had “led to significant disruption, as well as dangerous activity that puts road users at risk”.

People were previously told to avoid the area around Jeremy Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog pub in Asthall in February because of pony and trap racing on the A40.