A CAMPAIGN to boost road safety in the Yorkshire Dales is coming to fruition, with plans to put up signs warning drivers of horse hazards.

Councillor Mick Griffiths, who represents Eppleby and Newsham on Richmondshire District Council, had called on North Yorkshire County Council to install the signs after a series of accidents last year.

Most roads in the area, which is home to several private stables as well as a riding school, have 60mph speed limits.

Coun Griffiths said: "The county council agreed to put the signs up, but wanted a £500 contribution towards them.

"To be fair to the council, it did not have to put the signs up, but it has agreed to.

"We are getting six signs in the area, which are to be erected in the near future.

"Hopefully, they will make motorists more aware.

"I am grateful to the council, for providing the signs, and to those companies contributing."

The £500 was raised with the help of four local companies; DT Liveries, at Eppleby; the Miniature World Riding Acadmy, at East Layton; Brookleigh Riding School, Forcett and Zetland Hunt Supporters Club.

Coun Griffiths has praised local riders for playing their part in reducing accidents by wearing reflective clothing.

He said that a small minority of drivers in the dales still fails to show consideration to horseriders.

"I am aware that there have been one or two incidents with one particular driver of a heavy goods vehicle in the area," he said.

Horse rider Michelle Bigg was thrown from her horse in an incident last year, when the animal was startled by a truck.

She said: "A lot of the local residents have already slowed down, and the riders are doing their bit by wearing reflective yellow or pink jackets to make them more visible.

"I am hopeful that lorry drivers, and people who are not used to the road will take notice of the signs when they are put up.

"But we will just have to wait and see."

Ms Bigg had to be helped to her stables by road workers after being thrown onto the road in the accident, last September.

Her horse bolted down the road, and found its own way home.

She said: "I honestly do not think the truck driver had any idea he had caused the collision.

"To make matters worse, he carried on driving behind my horse, which was bolting down the road."