Happy post-lockdown driving for dog lovers

Drivers planning post-lockdown trips with their dogs are being urged to take a break during the journey and enjoy a walk.

Highways England has teamed up with the Driving with Dogs website to suggest ideas for mid-trip breaks and days out.

Highways England Head of Road Safety Richard Leonard said: "We want all our customers, including the four-legged ones, to arrive at their destinations safely this summer, and I’d urge drivers to make sure they plan a break into longer trips as well as preparing for any journey, especially in hot weather, by stocking up on water and checking travel conditions before setting off.” 

Suggested locations include many in and around Swindon and on popular routes to and from the town.

Among them are Coate Water, Lydiard Park, Cotswold Water Park and Savernake Forest.

The Driving with Dogs website - https://www.drivingwithdogs.co.uk/ - offers suggested walks within easy reach of main roads throughout the country.

Some are available at no charge while others are only accessible to site users who subscribe.

Driving with Dogs director Lezli Rees said: “Since lockdown ended we’ve seen a big increase in visitors to our site, so it would seem this year more than ever people want to go on adventures with their dogs.  

“Whether you’re planning a fun day out or driving a long way and need a stop-off en route there are literally thousands of lovely dog walks within a stone’s throw of most major roads and motorways, and we would urge people to get exploring!” 

Linzi's comments came as veterinary charity the PDSA issued safety advice for people travelling with their dogs this summer.

One of the charity's vets, Anna Ewers Clark, said: “As camp-sites, holiday homes, and places where we can enjoy a day out - like national parks - begin to re-open, many of us will be planning days out and holidays in the UK. 

"It’s important to remember to keep our pets safe and happy as we do that, especially if you’ll be spending a long time in the car.”  

The charity advises owners to keep pets securely restrained in vehicles according to Highway Code rules, to have plenty of rest breaks to keep animals' stress to a minimum, to check the temperature in the back of the car, to make sure pets are on leads before exiting the vehicle, to make them enter and exit on the pavement side and to carry plenty of water.

Dog owners are strongly advised not to let ther faithful friends put their heads out of car windows, as this risks accidents and eye injuries.

The PDSA website is https://www.pdsa.org.uk/ and Highways England's is https://highwaysengland.co.uk/