THE number of animal deaths on New Forest roads is rising, “disappointing” new figures have revealed.

Figures from the Verderers of the New Forest show that in 2018, 63 animals were killed or had to be destroyed compared to 56 in 2017. And a total of 26 were injured, which was up from 22.

Jonathan Gerrelli, the head agister for the Verderers of the New Forest, said: “We are very disappointed in the figures for the last year.”

He said a “tremendous amount” of work had been done with other organisations, including the New Forest National Park Authority and the police, to try and reduce the number of accidents.

“It all comes down to trying to get the message across to people driving in the Forest to take more care,” said Mr Gerrelli.

He said this was a “timely reminder” for all drivers to take extra care and be aware there may be animals on the road.

The Verderers attended 154 accidents last year compared to 134 in 2017.

Incidents involving local motorists were down from 48 to 41.

The majority of animals killed were ponies. There were a total of 38 deaths of ponies, down from 39.

In 2018, 13 were killed, which was actually down from from 2017 (18). Twenty five ponies were injured and destroyed, which was up from 21 in 2017.

But the number of ponies injured was down from 14 to 11.

Nigel Matthews, the head of recreation management and learning for the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) said: “It is troubling to see an increase in animal fatalities on New Forest roads over the last year.

“Every death is a tragedy for the Forest and the commoning families who own and care for the pigs, donkeys, cows and ponies.

Mr Matthews said:“The increase is disappointing news after a year of initiatives from organisations in the National Park aimed at changing the behaviour of drivers.”

Silhouettes depicting the number of animal road deaths have toured New Forest villages, temporary warning signs have been put in place by Hampshire County Council and a police mobile speed camera van has been deployed.

More accidents took place when it was dark, with 96 in 2018 compared to 82 in 2017. There was also an increase in accidents that happened in the daylight which were up from 35 to 41.

He added: “The spike in accidents during 2018 is a reminder to drivers to drive carefully, especially in the dark, and pass animals wide and slow.

“We all need to remember that the animals have the road sense of a two year old child and can step out into the road at any time.

“Animal deaths are down 40 per cent in the last 20 years, but years like 2018 serve to stiffen our resolve to continue to work with local organisations to reduce deaths still further. We will be analysing the full data from last year and will use it to adjust and improve our campaigns over the next year.”

The figures also showed a rise in the number of hit and run accidents, that were not reported which rose from 14 to 30.

Commoner Ann Sevier, who is also a New Forest District Councillor who sits on the NPA, said the increase was “very sad”, adding: “Without the National Park’s efforts, this and the increased traffic in the forest, the numbers would be much higher. The commoners are very pleased and appreciative of the efforts of the national park authority.

“The awareness this raises is vital,” added Cllr Sevier. “Slow down and enjoy the beautiful forest and treat it with respect.”