ALMOST 10,000 people have been caught speeding in the New Forest as part of a crackdown on motorists to prevent animals being killed on our roads.

A police camera van caught 9,765 motorists exceeding the speed limit last year.

Last year 55 animals were killed and another 21 injured on the roads, a record low, with 127 incidents reported in 2015 as opposed to 140 the previous year.

The number of animals killed and injured fell from 91 to 76, with 38 of those killed ponies and the rest pigs, cows, donkeys and one sheep.

Half of the motorists caught were driving on unfenced roads where animals can roam.

Recently the Forest Journal revealed that some ponies could be painted in fluorescent colours to make them more visible at night.

And now the police have teamed up with the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) and New Forest Verderers to run the project using infra-red technology to crack down on illegal driving during the day and night.

They say 76 per cent of all accidents happen at night or in twilight.

Head Agister Jonathan Gerrelli said the information collected will be analysed to look at how the problem can be best tackled in the future.

He said: “Animals do not have any road sense. When drivers see an animal on the road or on the verge they need to slow right down and give the animal plenty of space.

“Drivers should be especially careful at night.”

CDA chairman Graham Ferris said: “The number of drivers caught driving at well over the speed limit on Forest roads is totally unacceptable. Motorists are putting the animals, themselves and their passengers in danger and risk seriously damaging their vehicles.

“Many are now facing fines and points on their licence.

“The animals are owned by commoners and it’s extremely distressing to see your pony dead on the roadside or having to be dispatched by an Agister because it’s too seriously injured to survive.”

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

He said: “The New Forest is a world capital for wildlife with its habitats protected under international designations. This exceptional area for nature conservation is created by the grazing of animals which are allowed to roam free across the landscape.

“So we’re appealing to drivers to slow down, help save animals from being killed or injured, and to help protect the New Forest National Park.”