New Forest sees increase in hit-and-run incidents involving livestock

92 ponies, cattle, pigs and sheep were hit last year

Author: Jo SymesPublished 31st Jan 2024
Last updated 31st Jan 2024

A group of people who look after he New Forest day they are disappointed in the rise of hit-and-runs involving animals.

The overall number of accidents rose from 82 in 2022 to 92 in 2023. In total, 27 ponies died compared to 34 the previous year.

While the number of New Forest ponies that died due to accidents dropped, the number of cattle, pigs and sheep that have lost their lives has increased.

In 2023, the B3054 road from Dibden to Lymington was the most dangerous for animal accidents. Four ponies died in just 10 days in September, and throughout the year, it had a quarter of all animal accidents and half of the pony deaths.

However, the most disappointing figure for Commoners and the Forest organisations working to reduce these accidents is that 18 drivers didn't report their accidents to the police within 24 hours, which is required by law.

Head Agister, Jonathan Gerrelli, who is responsible for overseeing and managing the land around the New Forest said: “While most people do report an accident at the time, unfortunately we had a spate this autumn where several drivers failed to do so.”

The Animal Accident Reduction Group is working with multiple agencies and groups to help reduce accidents. Operation Mountie, a Hampshire Police led operation to reduce speeding across the New Forest, found that only 26% of people stopped for speeding knew who to call if they had an accident with a forest animal.

Gilly Jones from New Forest Roads Awareness said: “We are working with the Commoners’ Defence Association to relaunch the Real New Forest Business Group, which works with companies in and around the New Forest to educate their staff and customers on Forest road safety and explain the correct protocol if they are unlucky enough to witness or be involved in an accident”.

The Commoners Defence Association is continuing this year to put out salt licks on the open Forest along the B3078 Roger Penny Way to try and prevent animals licking the salt on the roads.

Charlotte Belcher, Community Manager for Forestry England, said: “Everyone travelling through the Forest needs to take extra care especially at this time of year when the weather and light can be unpredictable.

"Many motorists tell us that they know the risks but think that it won’t happen to them, the figures make it clear that accidents can happen to anyone at any time of the day or night.

"We can all improve safety by driving with care through this special place and making sure we pass animals wide and slow.”

Steve Avery, Executive Director of Strategy and Planning from the New Forest National Park Authority said: “It’s extremely disappointing to see a rise again in animal accidents after the numbers have been consistently decreasing. Each animal death is a great loss to its owner and the Forest as the livestock have a crucial role to play in sustaining its rare habitats through their grazing.”

“Accidents need to be reported to the police as soon as possible, and within 24 hours, even if the animal runs away. We urge all drivers to carry an animal accident card or keep the numbers in the phones.”

More information on what to do if drivers have an accident involving an animal in the New Forest can be found here.

A reward of up to £5,000 may be offered for information which results in the successful conviction of a driver who fails to report having collided with a commoners’ animal.

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