Roger Penny Way 'fails to meet criteria' for speed cameras

Hampshire County Council has announced that the B3078 Roger Penny Way, one of the main routes across the Forest, fails to meet the criteria for cameras.

Roger Penny Way is among the worst roads in the district for accidents involving free-roaming animals.

Roger Penny Way is one of the worst routes in the New Forest for animal accidents (Image: Newsquest.)

In December 2020 four ponies died after being hit by a Land Rover Discovery in a nighttime crash between Brook and Bramshaw Telegraph.

Police later confirmed that no action would be taken against the driver, who was obeying the 40mph speed limit.

But speed checks carried out since the collision have revealed that many other motorists using the route are failing to comply with the restriction.

READ MORE: Call for speed limit reduction after four New Forest ponies killed in horrific crash

Mark Ferrett, whose daughter Katie owned the ponies that died, has condemned the decision not to install speed cameras.

Referring to discussions that have taken place over the past three years he said: "All the parties agreed the cameras would be right way forward.

"They have gone for the cheap option. Very sad approach."

Drivers are being urged to take extra care when driving across the New Forest. Animals often stand in or near roads (Image: Annette Gregory)

The county council's executive lead member for universal services, Cllr Nick Adams-King, said: "At the request of local residents and groups, an investigation into the practicalities of locating average speed cameras on Roger Penny Way has been undertaken.

"This included an analysis of collisions on this route in recent years.

"Following this, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has now confirmed this stretch of road does not meet the specific national criteria for the installation of permanent speed cameras."

READ MORE: No action against driver involved in accident on Roger Penny Way

Cllr Adams-King said the Department for Transport emphasised that incidents involving injuries to people "remain the key benchmark for interventions of this type".

Roger Ferrett, whose daughter owned four ponies that were killed in an accident at Roger Penny Way (Image: Newsquest.)

Roger Penny Way has been dubbed "infamous" by the Commoners’ Defence Association, which represents the owners of ponies and other animals that graze the landscape.

Cllr Adams-King said organisations shared a desire to eliminate accidents on the route but added: "It is important the right solution is developed, and in the right way.

"Continuing to remind drivers of their responsibilities when driving in the Forest is one critical element.

"We also welcome the Constabulary's suggestion that a Community Speedwatch initiative may be part of the solution, enabling residents to record the details of speeding vehicles using police-approved detection devices.

"I am also pleased the Constabulary has agreed to consider additional mobile enforcement along this road."