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West Sussex Fire Service’s warning to drivers with unrestrained animals

West Sussex Fire Service reminds drivers they may be at risk of large fines if they do not properly restrain their animals when driving.

Published

3 years ago

on

Do you know the law when it comes to properly restraining your pets?

We all know and understand the dangers of driving without wearing a seatbelt, and most of us abide by the law when it comes to them. But not so many of us seem to be aware of the law when it comes to properly restraining ‘man’s best friend’.

Research by Dogs Trust reveals that almost half (48%) of UK dog owners could be breaking the Highway Code by not restraining their dogs properly in the car. So what can we do to keep our furry friends restrained when in the car?

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Rule 57 of the Highway Code states: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

So, according to the Highway Code, using a ‘seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard’ are all acceptable ways of obeying the law when taking our pets out for a drive.

West Sussex Fire Service has taken to Twitter to remind West Sussex’s dog (and cat) owners to keep their animals properly restrained in the car.

Failure to follow the law means drivers could be pulled over by police for driving without proper control of the car which will land them £1,000 fine.

As mentioned in West Sussex Fire’s Tweet it could mean ‘failing to drive with due care and attention’ which carries a maximum fine of £2,500 and nine penalty points.

In more extreme cases, it could lead to a driving ban and a compulsory re-test – drivers may be invalidating their insurance.

Were you aware of these laws? And will it change the way you drive with your canine companion?

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News

Delays possible as road works to last till June at Calvert Link, off the Kilnwood Vale Roundabout

Published

4 days ago

on

5th March 2021

By

Crest Nicholson will begin road improvement works on Calvert Link, off the Kilnwood Vale Roundabout on Crawley Road, on the 11th of March 2021.

As part of these works, a new roundabout will be installed, and new road built to the west of the roundabout to cater for an anticipated increase in traffic flow due to the next phase of the residential development of Kilnwood Vale.

A change in traffic management is scheduled for the night of the 10th March 2021 and works are expected to be completed by 12th June 2021. During this time, Calvert Link will remain as a one lane access with use of vehicles via a traffic light system.

The improvements will continue to be fully funded by Crest Nicholson, in association with its nearby Kilnwood Vale development in Faygate.

Progress made in the area so far includes highway improvement works at the Cheals Roundabout, new draining to improve overall road conditions, a new footpath on Horsham Road to ease pedestrian access and bases for the new road lanes added to the approach and exit points via Horsham.

Crest Nicholson has put measures in place to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum and access to surrounding properties, businesses and areas will be maintained at all times.

Should there be a need to contact the team, the contact number for the contractor carrying out the works is 01202 653570

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