To: TD's , politicans and county councilors

legislate for legal safe distance when overtaking pedestrians on all Rural and Local roads

a typical rural/ local road with "people walking on road" signs
As it stands the only legal requirement is to give a minimum safe distance of
Speed zones up to 50 km/h: Give at least 1 metre of space. 
Speed zones over 50 km/h: Give at least 1.5 metres of space.
when overtaking a cyclist.

As it stands legally there is no legislation that says a passing motorist/ vehicle must keep safe distance when overtaking a pedestrian who is walking on Local /Rural road which does not have a footpath.
I am calling for legislation to be introduced whereby a motorist / passing vehicle  with a power greater than a pedal cycle  must give a minimum clearance of at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking a pedestrian walking on a rural or local road.

Why is this important?

I live on a Local road.
i see all types of pedestrians using this road for their daily walks.
these include
i see families with young children
i see mothers pushing their prams.
i see dog walkers.
i see elderly friends of the locality going about their daily keep fit walks , some with hi-viz jackets.

i myself have had lots of near misses with passing vehicles failing to give an inch when overtaking me. 

i have spoken to walkers who will not use certain roads because they are afraid to walk on the roads.