Animal accidents on New Forest roads almost halved in last decade
VERGE clearance work combined with a growing awareness of livestock have been credited with reducing the number animals killed on New Forest roads in 2024.
Statistics shared at a meeting of the Verderers’ Court in January revealed that 37 commoners’ animals were killed in collisions on the New Forest’s roads in 2024. This compares to a figure of 68 livestock (including 43 ponies) killed a decade ago in 2014.
Commoner and founder of the New Forest Road’s Awareness campaign, Gilly Jones, said: “There are many reasons these numbers have come down - modern cars and their safety features, collars on more livestock, driver awareness, and, hopefully, our work.”
As reported, the awareness campaign has battled to raise the profile of animal accidents and has worked with local volunteers and Hampshire Police to undertake regular speed checks on New Forest Roads. Motorists who are stopped are often re-educated on the dangers of travelling at excessive speed, both to livestock and themselves.
Speaking at the Verderers’ Court meeting, Ms Jones said: “Obviously, traffic and livestock in the same space, there will always be accidents.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank Forestry England for the verge clearance program. This work is so important for livestock and gives the drivers a clearer view of the road ahead.”
The development of modern car sensors, better headlights and brakes, combined with a greater awareness of the dangers of livestock on New Forest Roads, were also said to be factors in lower accident rates.
Writing on the New Forest Roads Awareness page on Facebook, Ms Jones added: “Speed is not always the reason for an incident, but we know that it is a contributing factor. It is also about how you drive around livestock.
“Winter months see the highest figures, obviously, dark roads and free roaming stock are never a good mix. We see daily people who drive up too close to the animals to try and make them move, please remember they have the right of way and you must give them respectful space on the roads.
“If you don't and the animal kicks your vehicle, then that's your fault. If your vehicle comes into contact with livestock you legally have to report it.”