Gilly Jones of New Forest Roads Awareness warns of ‘catastrophic’ rise in collisions as pony becomes latest to die on B3054

THERE has been a “catastrophic” rise in Forest animal collisions this year, a campaign groups says, as it pleads with drivers to take extra care.

A mare pony was the latest to die on the roads on Tuesday, making it the ninth animal in the first nine weeks of 2025 – and the 21st collision.

Gilly Jones of New Forest Roads Awareness said the incident, on the B3054 between Hatchet and Lymington, happened at around 10pm on Monday, adding the driver “did the right thing” and reported it.

She added: “This is the 21st accident already this year – eight ponies and one calf have already lost their lives in the first nine weeks of 2025.

“We have no words for this catastrophic rise in collisions. To the same date in 2024 there had been eight, with one donkey losing her life.”

Speed is not always the reason for collisions, she added, explaining driving without awareness of livestock on the roads and complacency were all factors. She said it was “astounding” to see motorists driving without lights despite thick fog.

Gilly told the A&T there was also concerns that dogs were involved in some incidents, after animals had been chased onto roads.

She added the B3054 has become the “worst” road in the Forest for collisions.

“We are asking again for people to think, every time you cross a cattle grid there will be livestock close or in the roads”, she said. “There are signs on every cattle grid and extra signage on all the key roads.

“Just because the speed limit is 40mph, it does not mean that is the speed you should drive at especially if you cannot see the road ahead clearly.

“Everyone wants to get to their destination in one piece, and does not want a pony through their windscreen. The livestock have the right of way and people should drive accordingly.”

There is still “huge demand” for speed cameras across the Forest, she said, adding: “We are still working on that one”.