Plea to drivers after death of three donkeys in the New Forest

Saturday morning (12th December) saw a heartbreaking accident on the Forest Roads, with the death of three donkeys on the B3078 Cadnam to Godshill Road

The animals were struck by a van near the turning to Fritham and Bramshaw just after 7am and died instantly.

Roger Penny Way is one of the most high risk routes for animal accidents.

Forest organisations says it's vital everyone remembers that once you pass over the cattle grids into the New Forest you will encounter animals onor crossing the roads and on the verges.

Commoner Gilly Jones, of New Forest Roads Awareness and Speed Watch volunteer, said:

'There is a blanket 40mph speed limit with 30mph in the villages. However, a speed limit is the maximum speed vehicles should be travelling at and, it is not necessarily a safe speed. "

'The loss of any animal impacts many people - the commoner who has lost their animal, the Agister and police who have to attend incidents, and the driver and witnesses.'

At this time of the year when daylight is limited and weather conditions vary, drivers should take extra care and adjust their speed. It is important to be aware visibility can be very poor and that that other vehicles' headlights may impede your view of the road ahead. "

Nigel Matthews, New Forest National Park Authority's Head of Recreation Management and Learning, convenes the New Forest Animal Accident Reduction Group of organisations working to protect the animals.

He said:

'Although the long-term trend of animal accidents is downwards, the death of any animal is a great loss to the Forest and to its owner. For three donkeys to lose their lives together like this is truly shocking. We appeal to drivers to please slow down on the unfenced roads of the New Forest. The Commoners' animals are out all year round, day and night, and you should expect them to be on the roads or to step out without warning.'

You are legally obliged to report all accidents involving a pony, cow, donkey, pig or sheep to the Police as soon as possible, and within 24hrs at the latest. Call the Police on 999 (for an emergency) or 101 (non-emergency).

SPEED CHECKS

Hampshire Police continue to carry out speed checks either with radar guns or the camera van part funded by the Verderers of the New Forest.

Last Thursday (10th December ) 46 drivers were caught breaking the speed limit on Roger Penny Way in the space of an hour.

A team were out again yesterday too ( 15th December).

WITNESS APPEAL TO DONKEY CRASH

Meanwhile officers investigating the incident on Saturday are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Hampshire Police say a white Mercedes van collided with the donkeys with the driver spoken to at the scene.

Anyone who saw what happened or who has dash-cam footage is urged to call the force on 101 quoting 44200478908

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Korine Bishop, Hampshire Constabulary Rural Policing Inspector, said:

"This was a tragic incident which resulted in the death of three New Forest donkeys. The driver of the vehicle was spoken to at the scene by officers - with police enquiries ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the incident."

"Yet, tragic as this incident is, it is a timely reminder to the residents of, and those driving through, the New Forest to be aware of your surroundings. We are now beginning to see wetter roads and reduced visibility due to dark early mornings and fog across the New Forest. While there is a maximum speed limit of 40 miles per hour applied across the area, motorists are advised to adapt their speed to the current driving conditions."