Drivers are being urged to slow down on New Forest roads following a rise in accidents involving free roaming livestock.
Figures for last year show one hundred and eight reported collisions involving ponies, cattle and donkeys, with forty seven animals killed, compared with ninety seven accidents and thirty seven animals the year before, marking the highest number recorded since twenty twenty.
Although incidents at night fell, it remained the most common time for collisions, while accidents during daylight and twilight rose, which campaigners have described as particularly concerning for those using Forest roads regularly.
Organisations within the Animal Accidents Reduction Group are renewing calls for motorists to drive to the conditions, pass animals wide and slow, and expect livestock once crossing cattle grids anywhere in the National Park.
Ann Sevier from the New Forest National Park Authority said the animals play a vital role in maintaining the landscape and drivers have a responsibility to protect them by adjusting their behaviour.
Andrew Parry Norton from the Commoners Defence Association said the impact on families is significant, while partners including Forestry England and Hampshire Police continue joint work to reduce risks.
Drivers involved in any livestock collision must report it to police within twenty four hours.
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