DRIVERS have been urged to take extra care after another spate of animal accidents on a New Forest commuter route.

Four collisions involving ponies and other animals were reported earlier this month - and each one took place on the busy B3054 Lymington to Dibden Purlieu route.

The unlit road is used by a large number of people going to and from work and has seen a number of collisions in the past few years.

In 2015 the National Park Authority published a map showing the location of almost 140 accidents that took place the previous year. More than a third occurred on just three roads, including the B3054.

Drivers say the seven-mile route includes long, straight sections of road that encourage motorists to speed up.

They also claim commuters are often dazzled by the headlights of oncoming vehicles, which can make it difficult to spot ponies standing in the carriageway.

In the latest spate of accidents one pony was killed at Hilltop and another was injured at Crockford, despite wearing one of the special florescent collars that aim to make animals more visible at night.

A pony was involved in a collision on the B3054 at Beaulieu but was uninjured.

The fourth accident also took place at Beaulieu. A pony was reported to have been involved in a hit-and-run accident but ran away and could not be found during a subsequent search.

All the animals that graze the Forest are owned by commoners - villagers with their right to let their livestock roam the landscape.

Tony Hockley, chairman of the Commoners' Defence Association, said: "The B3054 is a big commuter route used by people in a hurry at peak periods, when the light is bad at this time of year.

"Even a small change in people's behaviour can make a big difference."

Referring to the launch of a new campaign that aims to encourage drivers to cut their speed, Dr Hockley said: "Reducing from 40mph to 30mph can add just three minutes to your journey time.

"People should drive according to the conditions. They must assume there are animals in the road and not just hope for the best."

Some of the accidents on the B3054 and other roads in the Forest are caused by ponies shooting across the road after emerging from behind a bush.

"Drivers need to watch the side of the road. That way they're better able to see if something is about to happen," said Dr Hockley.