AVERAGE speed cameras could be introduced in the New Forest in a new crackdown on drivers.

The new enforcement measure follows a Hampshire County Council survey which found that the speed and volume of traffic in the area is rising.

The council says that an initial system installation could cost more than £100,000, with the price rising if more units were added.

A crash blackspot on the B3078 between Cadnam and Fordingbridge is a particular problem area and the majority of crashes involving animals happen on just three roads.

Councillors debated the issue at a select committee meeting earlier today and it was revealed that 68 animals were killed in the New Forest in a total of 91 crashes involving wildlife.

David Harrison, a county councillor and member of the New Forest National Park Authority, told the Daily Echo he is worried by the aesthetic damage the introduction of average speed cameras could do.

He said: "Certainly they would affect the natural beauty of the New Forest environment.

"You have to recognise that it’s a national park and I would not want to see anything which detracts from the beauty of the park."

Councillors in the economy transport and environment select committee voted unanimously in favour of consulting Hampshire Police on the possibility of an average speed camera route in the forest.