MORE than 150 drivers were stopped on New Forest animal accident hotspot roads over the past year – with animal death numbers seeing a downward trend.

As the darker hours last longer, New Forest organisations who make up the Animal Accident Reduction Group are reminding drivers to take extra care, with winter months historically the worst for livestock and wildlife fatalities.

This follows a record breaking 15 weeks earlier this year without a fatal road traffic crash involving animals in the New Forest.

So far this year there have been 60 call outs to accidents involving animals compared to 77 in the same period last year, with 24 ponies, two pigs, and one cow being killed.

Another 16 animals have been injured, as of November 1.

Bournemouth Echo: A New Forest pony with her foal on the roadside. Picture: Hattie MilesA New Forest pony with her foal on the roadside. Picture: Hattie Miles

One success this year has been Operation Mountie, a joint-agency initiative comprised of 17 mini operations over eight locations – including the notorious accident blackspot Roger Penny Way.

From November 2021 to October this year, Operation Mountie has resulted in:

  • 155 vehicles stopped
  • 145 drivers given education by partners
  • 41 drivers given enforcement
  • 29 drivers given tickets for speeding at 50 mph or over. The highest speed recorded was 70mph in a 40mph zone
  • Three drivers given tickets for having no insurance and no MOT
  • Five drivers have had cars seized for a combination of no tax, no insurance or no licence
  • One driver failed a roadside drug test and was arrested
  • One driver was wanted for the theft of fuel from several petrol stations across the county and was dealt with
  • One driver was charged with taking a vehicle without consent

Police Sergeant Carl Peverill, who began Operation Mountie, said: “This multi-agency approach has been key to reducing the animal casualties and improving safety on New Forest roads.

Bournemouth Echo: Roger Penny Way in the New ForestRoger Penny Way in the New Forest (Image: Contributed)

“Our partners have played a vital role in educating drivers which we have stopped, warning them of the dangers of travelling at high speeds and the impact that road collisions can have on both animals and the vehicles.

“Driving conditions throughout the year change and can have a significant impact on forest roads especially during hours of darkness and in poor weather. Remember, a speed limit is exactly that – a limit. Not a target.”

Gavin Parker, New Forest National Park Authority chair, added: “Although the overall trend of accidents has been gradually reducing over the years, any death or injury to an animal is a great loss to its owner and the New Forest.”

Reports involving any accident involving a pony, cow, donkey, pig, sheep or deer should be made by calling 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergencies.