A CAMPAIGN to slow speeding drivers on New Forest roads has led to the lowest number of animal accidents since records began in 1956.

Last year 65 animals belonging to New Forest commoners died as the result of road collisions, 10 fewer than in 2009 and 24 fewer than in 2000.

Verderers say 27 were killed outright and 38 had to be put down because of the severity of their injuries.

The vast majority that died – 51 – were ponies, followed by 10 cattle, three donkeys and one pig.

Another 27 animals were injured (37 in 2010) and 20 escaped injury.

The total number of accidents attended by the Agisters, who are employed by the Verderers to look after the welfare of commoners’ stock, was 162, 34 fewer than in 2010.

The Verderers, police and the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association, along with New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council, and the National Park Authority have been working hard to cut accidents.

That includes targeting roads where drivers’ speeds regularly go above the 40mph limit, issuing enforcement notices and providing publicity.

New portable signs have been placed on roadsides after collisions have occurred and verges have been cleared of scrub to improve visibility.

At Brockenhurst, a series of pinch points in Burley Road are being trialled and new signs are being used on the B3054 Lymington to Hatchet Pond road.

Official Verderer Oliver Crosthwaite Eyre said: “Animal accidents are a serious issue, the Agisters work long hours often in distressing circumstances, especially when an accident goes unreported.

“Although we are glad to see a reduction in animal deaths, we still want to remind people to drive sensibly and slow down when they pass forest livestock.”

National park spokesman Nigel Matthews said most accidents happen at night and drivers need to be careful when blinded by oncoming traffic.

“When a pony is near the road, a driver should slow down and give it a wide berth, as it may step out into the road without warning.”