DRIVERS are being urged to watch out for ponies drawn to salt left on New Forest roads by gritters this winter.
Hampshire Police said the ponies lick the salt left behind on the tarmac and motorists should take extra care as even when travelling at 20mph the ponies are difficult to see in the dark.
They have released footage which shows that ponies are difficult to spot until you approach them.
Ponies in the New Forest are drawn to roads in winter to lick gritters salt from the tarmac. See how hard it is to see them even travelling at 20mph! Please take care and slow down for the Forest Wild life #NewForest #24410 pic.twitter.com/YynPBybguI
— Hants Response Cops (@HCResponseCops) January 9, 2019
A spokesperson said: “Please take care and slow down for the Forest wildlife.”
Sue Westwood of the Verderers said that while drivers should slow down for ponies when its dark, it was of particular importance during times when the roads have been gritted.
She said: “Unfortunately animals are attracted to the salt. Cows and donkeys as well as ponies are as likely to lick the salt on the roads. Obviously, the salt is essential for the safety of motorists but it would be good if drivers would think of the animals’ safety as well.”
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