Safety warning after man fails to slow near horses

Police have warned motorists to slow down when driving past horses after a van driver was filmed passing them dangerously.

Soloman Stefan drove down a country lane near Northallerton in a white Ford Transit Custom van without slowing down as he approached horse riders.

The incident, which occurred in September 2024, was captured on video and reported to North Yorkshire Police, who asked Stefan to provide his driver details.

At Harrogate Magistrates' Court on 1 July, Stefan, 24, from Harehills in Leeds, was handed a driving ban after admitting failing to provide details.

He was also prosecuted for two more offences: driving without insurance and not wearing a seatbelt in the West Yorkshire area.

He was fined £709 and 14 points were added to his licence, which resulted in a six-month disqualification.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "Our area covers 3,200 square miles, with 6,000 miles of roads, many of which are rural, countryside lanes where members of the public ride horses.

"It is important for motorists to be aware that they must slow down when passing horse riders.

"Failing to do so could result in a fine, a disqualification - or in the worst case, even a serious or fatal injury."

The Highway Code states drivers should be particularly careful of horse riders.

It says: "When you see a horse on a road, you should slow down to a maximum of 10mph.

"Be patient, do not sound your horn or rev your engine.

"When safe to do so, pass wide and slow, allowing at least 2m of space."

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