TEMPORARY information posters warning drivers about changes in the Highway Code relating to horse riders have been erected near Peebles.

The signs, the first to appear in Scotland, were put up by the British Horse Society (BHS).

The Highway Code changes, which came into force last year, state that drivers should keep two metres away from a rider and pass at a maximum of 10mph.

The BHS’s “Dead Slow” messaging is incorporated in the Highway Code and also includes: “Be patient – I will not sound my horn or rev my engine and Drive slowly away”.

Temporary Information Posters (TIPs) are widely used in England.

But last week Scottish Borders Council became the first area north of the border to approve their use, with Dumfries and Galloway, Orkney and the Highlands expected to follow soon.

Drivers on the B7062 back road, from Cardrona to Kailzie, will spot some the new signs and their warnings at the west and east sides of the forest car park.

The notices, which are recyclable, are designed to be in place for a couple of weeks in areas where there are many riders on the roads.

Helene Mauchlen, British Horse Society’s national manager for Scotland, put up the first sign south of Kailze stables and local BHS volunteers Beryl Masson and Lesley Muirden erected the second.

Ms Mauchlen said: “The whole point is to illustrate the hierarchy of road users as stated in the Highway Code.

“The British Horse Society reporting app records incident after incident in this area.

“TIPs are put up where there is a high risk.”

The Highway Code’s new hierarchy places horses riders by pedestrians and cyclists, as vulnerable road users and shifts the emphasis of responsibility, for reducing danger, to those who can do most harm.

When the Highway Code change was announced, Alan Hiscox, BHS director of safety said: “We are thrilled that our hard work has paid off and these crucial changes to the Highway Code will be brought in.

“I am very pleased that the BHS was able to represent the equestrian community within the DfT’s Highway Code stakeholder group to ensure that all equestrians were included in the changes. They are a significant step forward for equestrian road safety and will help protect vulnerable road users, making the roads safer for everyone.”