Police issue dispersal order against unauthorised horse and trap racing across Hampshire

Police in Hampshire have taken action against planned unauthorised horse and trap racing.

This comes after information was received about the unauthorised races due to take place throughout this weekend on the A33 between Winchester and Basingstoke.

Inspector John Stribley said: “Racing on public road networks is an offence, and will result in us taking enforcement action.

“These activities can be conducted lawfully elsewhere, such as on private land, and we will not be tolerating the use of Hampshire’s roads for an illegal sporting event.

“We will deal with offences robustly, and take action wherever we have a power in law to do so.

“A Section 35 dispersal order has been authorised for the entirety of the weekend until 8am on Monday morning (December 20), and will be in place across the whole of the county”.

The Police say that there is currently no plan to close the road; however, any action taken in this regard will be in response to a dynamic situation on the ground and balanced against the risks to motorists.

If you have any concerns or information on any criminal activity taking place, please contact the police on 101 or on 999 if it is an emergency.