Dilton Marsh Close Pass Operation 10 Sep

Published: 14 September 2026

The Close Pass operation involved two Police volunteer Horse Riders riding along the High Street past Fairfield College to monitor drivers passing to fast or too close. The Highway Code advice is to pass at no more 10mph with at least 2m clearance.

Road safety is considered a key priority for Wiltshire Police and we were pleased that Chief Constable Catherine Roper was able to attend the operation. In a relatively short space of time the police stopped 24 drivers who exhibited a number of concerning driving behaviours, including approaching horses too quickly and too closely, failing to leave the recommended two-metre passing distance, and accelerating harshly or cutting back in front of horses and riders after overtaking. The drivers were spoken to about their driving behaviour around horses and all were dealt with through education and advice.

Drivers should be aware that horses are unpredictable, so please pass them slow and wide to prevent injuries to horses, riders and drivers. Drivers should:

Slow down to 10mph
Be patient - don't sound your horn or rev your engine
Pass the horse slow and wide - 2m or a car's width if possible
Drive away slowly

Wiltshire Police and the BHS would like to thank Fairfield College for their assistance in conducting this operation. The learners really enjoyed meeting the horses and seeing in police officer's action. The link below is to a short video which the police produced of the event.

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=28545277441824901&id=100003080780298