ANIMAL deaths in the New Forest are largely caused by local drivers, say the New Forest National Park Authority.

The claim was made by the body after the Daily Echo revealed that Commoners are removing their ponies from the Forest amid the number of fatal crashes in recent months.

Nigel Matthews, the authority’s head of recreation management and learning, facilitates the New Forest Animal Accident Reduction Group of organisations working to protect the animals.

"The majority of deaths are caused by local drivers, so the Commoners Defence Association are working with local businesses through their Shared Forest project to educate employees about safe Forest driving," he said.

"We work with local organisations to implement and refine measures to reduce animal accidents in the New Forest, including changing signs, educational campaigns and a mobile safety camera van.

"Speed is a factor in animal accidents but it is also important to remember that it is possible to kill an animal at 40mph, and indeed that at night when visibility is poor, it is best to drive at less than the permitted speed limit.

"Animals have right of way and it is the driver’s responsibility to slow down and give way to them; the consequences of failing to do so can be tragic for both the animals and their owners."