Hampshire police’s countrywatch team steps in as pony gives birth to foal on busy New Forest road

Police stepped in after a New Forest pony gave birth on a road, causing traffic disruption as campaigners urge motorists to be vigilant.

A picture of the incident was shared on social media by the Hampshire force’s countrywatch team last Wednesday afternoon.

The foal and its mother were moved off the undisclosed highway by officers.

The online post said: “One of the first foals born this year in the New Forest.

“Mum decided that the middle of a busy road would be the best place to give birth causing traffic chaos.

“Mum and foal were safely moved to a nearby field and are both doing well.”

Campaign group New Forest Roads Awareness and the New Forest Young Commoners have been erecting warning signs about foals on the road.

Posting online, the group called on those driving along any Forest road to do so with even more care.

“We always say a pony has the road sense of a two-year-old,” the post said.

“Foals have absolutely no road sense. So our best advice is pass wide and slow.

“Don't drive up too close to any livestock. Give yourself space to manoeuvre around them, they will not move for you!

“Be late, rather than have an accident.”

People are also reminded to never try to pet or feed the livestock, with this now an offence under a Public Spaces Protection Order.

Anyone involved in an accident with an animal must call 999, even if it has run off.