Dashcam footage shows Royal Mail driver overtake car and swerve past New Forest pony in Minstead

DASHCAM footage of a Royal Mail van overtaking a driver who had stopped for a New Forest pony in the middle of the road has prompted an angry response from locals.

The video shows the delivery vehicle swerve past in a 30mph zone of Minstead Road in Minstead before putting on the brakes as it uses the verge to pass within feet of the animal a few yards down the road.

It was posted on the Facebook page of the New Forest Commoners Defence Association.

Cllr Edward Heron, member for Lyndhurst and Fordingbridge, is among those now looking for answers.

He posted a comment on the video asking for the original to be shared with him so he can "take this up" with the Royal Mail.

He added: "I consider working with businesses, such as Royal Mail, to ensure their employees treat the New Forest with respect and drive safely and in accordance with the Highway Code an important use of my time.

"I am sure the electors of my area will express their views if they disagree with that at the next county elections in 2025."

This incident comes within a few weeks of the national park authority launching a joint campaign urging drivers to take extra care on the Forest's roads during the darker winter months.

Multiple commentors said online that they hoped the incident had been reported to the Royal Mail.

One person posted: "Something needs to be done, as some drivers of cars and lorries just don't care about the ponies or respect the fact they are driving in the forest."

Another said: "Did he (Royal Mail van driver) not think the car had stopped for a reason? What an idiot to then overtake."

Someone else added: "Royal Mail van was not safe to overtake there and did not pass 'wide and slow'."

The A&T has approached the Royal Mail for a comment.