Driver’s New Forest fatal pony crash on B3054 near Beaulieu
A YOUNG driver is “never, ever going to be able to forget” a crash that saw the death of a pony at one of the New Forest’s worst accident blackspots.
It was one of two animals killed in a week on the B3054 near Beaulieu, dubbed “the new Roger Penny Way” by New Forest Roads Awareness campaigner Gilly Jones.
The 13-mile stretch, which runs from Lymington to Dibden, passing through Beaulieu, has been the scene of numerous animal accidents this year, including a spate in September when four ponies were killed in a number of days.
Ms Jones described the most recent crash as a case of “the wrong place at the wrong time”.
She said: “A pony died on the B3054 near Beaulieu aerodrome around 7.15am. I had the opportunity to speak to the driver of the car involved.”
Saying the driver was a “young man who had just come over from the Isle of Wight, driving on unfamiliar roads”, Ms Jones added: “He slowed down for an emergency vehicle coming the other way, the next thing he knew was his windscreen exploded and he was covered in glass.”
“Whether the pony was startled by the blue lights and sirens, no one can answer, but the one thing I know from talking to him and his father, he is never ever going to be able to forget what happened.”
Police attended the scene and several drivers stopped to give statements. Ms Jones added: “Five hours after the accident, the driver was still on scene, waiting for his car to be recovered. He was still shaking and in shock. He just kept repeating that he wanted to say sorry to the owner of the pony.
“The thing that he says he will never be able to forget is hearing the shot as the animal was dispatched.”
Another fatal accident on the same stretch of road, involving a bay mare, happened on Saturday, to which agister Mike Lovell responded at 4.55pm.
“This road from Dibden to Lymington has been the worst for accidents this year,” said Ms Jones. “Please remember, the livestock are on or by the roads.
“If you are blinded by oncoming lights, slow down, if there is a vehicle you think may spook an animal, be prepared to stop and if travelling in the dark, give yourself more time.
“We want everyone to stay safe, and also we want to help protect the livestock.”
Last Tuesday, agister Michael Maton responded to a 4pm callout to a crash involving a grey pony on the B3055 Latchmoor to Marlpit Oak. The animal was uninjured.
Accidents involving Forest livestock should be reported immediately to the police by calling 999 or 101, or to the verderers’ office during working hours, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, on 023 8028 2052.
