Forest organisations are urging people to drive with care, particularly at this time of year, following the death of three donkeys together on the B3078 Cadnam to Godshill road.

After driving over the cattle grids drivers will encounter animals on or crossing the roads and on the sides of the roads.

The New Forest’s Animal Accident Reduction Group is supported by the Commoners Defence Association, Forestry England, Verderers of the New Forest, New Forest National Park Authority, New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Constabulary, New Forest Trust, New Forest Association and British Deer Society.

Commoner Gilly Jones, of New Forest Roads Awareness and Speed Watch volunteer, said, “There is a blanket 40mph speed limit with 30mph in the villages. However, a speed limit is the maximum speed vehicles should be travelling at and, it is not necessarily a safe speed.

“The loss of any animal impacts many people – the commoner who has lost their animal, the Agister and police who have to attend incidents, and the driver and witnesses.”

At this time of the year when daylight is limited and weather conditions vary, drivers should take extra care and adjust their speed. It is important to be aware visibility can be very poor and that that other vehicles’ headlights may impede your view of the road ahead.

Nigel Matthews, New Forest National Park Authority’s head of recreation management and learning said, “Although the long-term trend of animal accidents is downwards, the death of any animal is a great loss to the Forest and to its owner. For three donkeys to lose their lives together like this is truly shocking. We appeal to drivers to please slow down on the unfenced roads of the New Forest. The Commoners’ animals are out all year round, day and night, and you should expect them to be on the roads or to step out without warning.”

You are legally obliged to report all accidents involving a pony, cow, donkey, pig or sheep to the Police as soon as possible, and within 24hrs at the latest. Call the Police on 999 (for an emergency) or 101 (non-emergency).

Hampshire Police are constantly doing speed checks.