Royal Mail launches investigation over dashcam footage of driver swerving past New Forest pony in Minstead

THE Royal Mail has launched an investigation after dashcam footage of a delivery van swerving off the road to pass a New Forest pony was posted online.

A mail spokesperson said they were "very disappointed" to see the video which was posted on Facebook by the New Forest Commoners Defence Association.

The video, recorded at around 1pm on Monday, shows a Royal Mail van overtake a vehicle in a 30mph zone of Minstead Road in Minstead while it was slowing down to avoid a pony.

The footage shows the delivery van driver pumping the brakes before mounting the verge to pass within a few feet of the pony before continuing down the road.

County councillor Edward Heron joined other angry locals to call for answers from the Royal Mail about the incident.

Other comments posted on the video said some drivers "just don't care" about New Forest ponies while another commentor branded the Royal Mail van driver "an idiot".

A spokesperson for the Royal Mail told the Advertiser & Times: “We were very disappointed to view this video, and are investigating what happened.

"Once our investigation has concluded, we will be taking appropriate action internally.

"It is not clear from the video how close to the horse our vehicle was, and we are pleased that this animal was not harmed or disturbed in any way.

"The safety of our drivers and other road users is a high priority for Royal Mail, and this includes our responsibilities under the New Forest code.

"We regularly instruct our drivers that animals in the New Forest are free to roam and have right of way, and we will be reinforcing that message to colleagues locally now.”