A CAMPAIGN has been launched to encourage drivers to take extra care as animal deaths on New Forest roads increased last year.

According to figures, 63 New Forest animals were killed on the roads last year, including ponies, cattle, donkeys, pigs and sheep, which is up nearly 14 per cent on the same period last year, with 67 animals having been involved in road accidents since January.

The add three minutes campaign was launched at the Fighting Cocks pub in Godshill.

Five near-life-size animal silhouettes, which show the number of each kind of animal killed last year on the roads, will be going on tour.

The four main roads which see the most accidents are Lymington to Beaulieu to Dibden Purlieu, Brockenhurst to Sway, Burley to Picket Post, and Cadnam to Godshill.

Records of accidents over the last five years show a big increase when the clocks change with Thursdays and Fridays between 5pm to 6pm in November and December seeing a peak in deaths and injuries.

Nigel Matthews, of the New Forest National Park Authority, who convenes the Animal Accident Reduction Group of local organisations, said: “To reduce the accidents, many things are done by several organisations all year round. At this peak time for accidents there will be prominent road warning signs, the mobile police speed camera van is out day and night, and a social media campaign urges drivers to slow down and #add3minutes to their journey.”

Sue Westwood, Clerk to the Verderers, said: “Drivers should be aware that they are very likely to encounter animals on the Forest’s roads, day and night. Animals don’t have road sense so please help avoid accidents by driving slowly and carefully. A collision will result in significant delay for the driver involved and may result in a badly damaged vehicle as well as causing unnecessary suffering to the unfortunate animal.

“Failing to report an accident with a commoner’s animal can lead to prosecution. The Verderers offer a reward of up to £5,000, payable to anyone providing information which leads to the successful prosecution of a driver responsible for a hit and run accident.”

The campaign is supported by the Commoners Defence Association, Forestry England, Verderers of the New Forest, New Forest National Park Authority, New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Constabulary, New Forest Trust, New Forest Association and British Deer Society.

Tony Hockley, the chairman of the Commoners’ Defence Association, whose members own the animals, added: “The grazing animals are vital to keeping the New Forest easily accessible and rich in nature. It’s vital that the animals remain free to roam widely, which means they’ll be using the roads and verges.

"Local people let their animals graze the New Forest to protect the landscape, but the clock change is always a worrying time for them. We have had some great results – people have worked hard together to reduce the number of accidents by 40 per cent over the last 10 years, but one accident is too many.”

Zoe Cox, the community manager of Forestry England, said: “All of us who travel through the Forest need to take a little extra care at this time of year as the days get shorter and the weather conditions worsen. Just adding three extra minutes to our journeys can help to make the Forest a safer place for all.”

The public is asked to:

  • Set off early and drive carefully and slowly
  • Expect animals on and beside the road 
  • Pass animals slow and wide and be ready to stop, especially if there is traffic coming the other way