Plea for motorists to drive cautiously in New Forest as nights draw in
MOTORISTS are being urged to drive cautiously in the New Forest as the evenings get darker to continue a “record breaking” reduction in animal accidents.
Although the winter months have historically been the worst for livestock and wildlife fatalities, statistics show a record-breaking 15 weeks in early 2022 without a single fatal road traffic accident.
This year there have been 60 call-outs to accidents involving animals compared to 77 in the same period last year, with 24 ponies, one cow and two pigs losing their lives. Another 16 animals have been injured.
Partnership body the Animal Accident Reduction Group is now reminding drivers to keep cutting fatalities by passing livestock wide and slow.
It comprises the Commoners Defence Association, Forestry England, the verderers, the national park authority, New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Constabulary, the New Forest Trust, Friends of the New Forest and the British Deer Society,
The latest call to watch out for animals on the roads follows official inclusion of it as a requirement in the latest edition of the Highway Code.
Some of the credit for cutting animal deaths has gone to Operation Mountie, a joint initiative led by the police, which has stopped 155 speeding vehicles – one of which was driving at 70mph in a 40mph area.
While some motorists receive enforcement action, others are given education about driving.
Sgt Carl Peverill, who began Operation Mountie, said: “I would like to acknowledge the fantastic work by all our partners including Forestry England, New Forest National Park Authority and dedicated volunteers at the New Forest Roads Awareness group.
“This multi-agency approach has been key to reducing the animal casualties and improving safety on New Forest roads.”
Gilly Jones, from New Forest Roads Awareness, added: “The education we have been offering drivers has been well received.
“It is surprising that many people don’t know that the livestock are owned and have the right of way on the roads.
“This unique way of working means most people we pull-over thank us and leave better informed on how to keep animals and themselves safe on forest roads.”
Verderers clerk Sue Westwood said the figures showed a welcome, albeit small, reduction in accidents but added: “The worst time of year is approaching.
“Please slow down when passing animals on the verge and give them a wide berth, especially when it is dark, foggy or raining or you are blinded by oncoming headlights or a low sun.
“Expect the animals to walk out in front of you – they have no road sense.”NPA chair Gavin Parker said despite the overall trend of accidents gradually reducing over the years any death or injury to an animal was “a great loss to its owner and the New Forest”.
