Police arrest suspected drug-driver during New Forest speed crackdown on Beaulieu Road
THE arrest of a suspected drug-driver was among the results of another speeding crackdown carried out by police in the New Forest.
Officers stationed themselves at the Kings Hat Inclosure on the Beaulieu Road last Wednesday morning for Operation Mountie, an ongoing scheme to cut speeding and raise awareness of Forest livestock safety.
They were joined by representatives from Forestry England, New Forest National Park Authority and campaign group New Forest Roads Awareness.
Over the course of two hours, 13 vehicles were stopped and one was seized because the driver only had a provisional licence.
A 27-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of cannabis and later released under investigation.
Tickets were issued to four drivers caught speeding at 50mph or above, while the others pulled over were given advice.
Posting on social media afterwards, local officers said: “Unfortunately the number of ponies, cattle and other animals killed in collisions with motorists on roads through the Forest increased last year.
“So did the number of hit-and-runs where drivers failed to stop and report an incident and get help for the animals involved.
“Remember it is the law to report any incidents involving New Forest ponies or any other free-roaming animals on the Forest to the police within 24 hours.”
The officers praised “the majority” of motorists seen to have driven within the speed limit while remaining vigilant for animals on or near the road.