Caution urged on New Forest roads as animal collisions rise
37 animals have been injured or killed so far this year
Last updated 24th Oct 2023
Drivers are being urged by Forestry England to take care on roads in the New Forest this winter as the number of animals involved in collisions is rising.
And only a quarter of motorists caught speeding knew what to do if they did hit an animal in the area.
37 animals, including ponies, cattle, sheep and pigs, have been injured of killed in road accidents in 2023. 2022 saw 39 for the whole year.
New Forest Road Awareness’s Gilly Jones said animals have right of way in the New Forest and can be unpredictable.
“Drivers need to be able to react quickly and if the worst does happen it’s essential that they know what to do. If you are involved in an accident with a Forest animal, please call 999 immediately even if it runs off as it may have an internal injury.”
In 2022, November and December were the deadliest months, due to the unpredictable weather and light conditions.
Over the last two years, several hundred drivers have been caught speeding in the New Forest through Operation Mountie, a project led by Hampshire Police and supported by New Forest Road Awareness, Forestry England and the New Forest National Park Authority.
And despite it being a legal requirement to report a collision with an animal, only 26% of those stopped knew that was the case.
Charlotte Belcher, Community Manager for Forestry England, said many are aware of the risks but feel it won’t happen to them.
“As the light fades and the weather starts to become more unpredictable all of us travelling through the Forest need to take extra care. It’s not worth taking that risk, it can happen to anyone and we all need to drive safely through this special place.”
Sue Westwood from the Verderers of the New Forest advised drivers to pass wide and slow when approaching ponies and other Forest animals.
“This is especially important during the autumn and winter months when it is dark, foggy or raining or you are blinded by oncoming headlights or a low sun. Expect the animals to walk out in front of you, they have no road sense.”