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Ringwood man Oliver Heywood fined and given driving ban after causing death of New Forest pony in crash on B3078 Roger Penny Way




A RINGWOOD man has been disqualified from driving and fined after being convicted of causing the death of a pony at a notorious New Forest animal accident blackspot.

Oliver Heywood, of Woodgreen Common Road, was driving his car along the B3078 Roger Penny Way just before 8.50pm on Saturday 7th August, when he struck the animal.

The pony died at the scene, and Heywood – along with an infant in the rear seat – suffered minor injuries in the collision.

The damage caused to Oliver Heywood's car in hitting a New Forest pony on Roger Penny Way (63434039)
The damage caused to Oliver Heywood's car in hitting a New Forest pony on Roger Penny Way (63434039)

Appearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court today (Thursday), having been summonsed for driving without due care and attention, Heywood was disqualified from driving for six months, handed a £1,600 fine and ordered to pay court costs and a victim surcharge.

PC Dan Channer, the officer in the case for the investigation, said: “This incident shows the devastating effects of travelling at inappropriate speeds on our Forest roads.

"Whilst an animal has lost its life, the consequences could have been graver – there could have been a loss of human life too.

“The gravity of the fine handed down by the judge, coinciding with a driving ban, sends out a strong message."

He added: "Drivers who see the Forest’s wild animals must be mindful, react and slow down to give plenty of time and space.

"They do not have road sense and the Highway Code gives them implicit right of way.

"It is our duty as road users to afford them safe passage by driving carefully and considerately when in the Forest.

“Speed limits are put in place for a reason – and it is exactly that, a limit – not a target. Ponies, horses and other wild animals cross New Forest roads day and night and it is well sign-posted in these high-risk areas.”

As reported in the A&T, there has been a standstill over a feasibility study – ordered in October 2021 – into introducing cameras on Roger Penny Way, which sees a raft of animal fatalities every year.



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