Multi-agency operation marks five years of reducing animal collisions and educating hundreds of road users across the New Forest

Multi-agency operation marks five years of reducing animal collisions and educating hundreds of road users across the New Forest

This week marks five years since the launch of Operation Mountie, the police-led partnership tackling and reducing the number of animal injuries and deaths caused by collisions in the New Forest. The initiative has stopped almost 500 drivers on Forest roads, taking action against offences and providing education to improve safety.

The operation was first launched in conjunction with the New Forest Animal Accidents Reduction Group, and supported by partners, including Forestry England (FE) and New Forest National Park Authority (NPA).

It was established following a high number of road accidents involving New Forest Commoners’ livestock, including ponies, donkeys, cattle, sheep and pigs, and wild deer on roads across the National Park in the preceding 12 months.

The very first session, one of 90 to date, was held on Roger Penny Way on Monday 1 November 2021. The scheme has since gone from strength to strength.

Since then, as a result of 59 operations and 90 sessions (often two sessions per operation), the following figures have been recorded;

•             180 hours of roadside speed checks and enforcement at Bramble Hill Walk (on Roger Penny Way), Kings Hat, Crockford Clump, Wilverley, Goatspen, Horseshoe Bottom, Yew Tree Heath, Pig Bush, Hatchet Moor, Hawk hill, Roundhill Campsite, Emery Down and Setthorns Campsite.

•             498 vehicles stopped after being witnessed exceeding the speed limit.

•             138 speeding tickets issued.

•             480 drivers spoken to by Forestry England, NPA and New Forest Roads Awareness Team, with education shared on the importance of driving to the conditions when travelling on our roads.

•             Eight cars seized for no insurance or licence.

•             Four drivers arrested for failing a roadside drugs test.

•             Only one driver has been stopped twice. That driver received a fine on both occasions.

In addition to the above statistics, Operation Mountie has coincided with a declining trend in animal accidents; there were 105 accidents involving animals in 2020, 103 in 2021 and 42 so far this year, between Thursday 1 January and Sunday 20 September.

Reflecting on that current figure, PCSO Richard Williams, of New Forest Heart Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "While this year's reduction is clearly very encouraging, there is much more we can all do, and the aim is to reduce that number even further as we move forward. Each single animal injury or death on our roads is devastating not only to the owners, but the New Forest community as a whole."

On the huge success of the operation over the last 60 months, PCSO Williams, said: “I am extremely proud of what we and our partners have achieved with Op Mountie over the last five years. We’ll be marking that achievement with a series of Op Mountie events at various locations throughout the coming week. We'll endeavour to bring you updates on these over the coming days.

“Undoubtedly, this initiative is helping to make a real and vitally important impact on our roads. It is forcing drivers to think seriously about their speed and the consequences of speeding, not least for the animals of this wonderful part of the country.

“Through Operation Mountie, we have been able to engage with hundreds of motorists since the end of 2021, educating them on the dangers of exceeding the speed limit, as well as taking robust enforcement action where necessary.

“This is a serious and emotive issue, which has huge significance for the local community. We remain committed to ensuring that the New Forest remains a safe place for animals to roam freely, while reducing the number of serious collisions."

Looking ahead, PCSO Williams, said: “We will continue to work with key partners, including New Forest National Park Authority, Forestry England, Commoners Defence Association and New Forest Roads Awareness to raise awareness of animals killed by collisions in the New Forest area, and improve safety.

“Remember, a speed limit is exactly that – a limit. Not a target. Driving to the road conditions, especially in reduced visibility, gives drivers the best chance to react to any animals in the vicinity of the road. It is simply not worth the risk.

“There are consequences for drivers, the animals, the owners of the animals and we are seeking to reduce harm and preserve the unique environment of the New Forest.”

Gilly Jones, of New Forest Roads Awareness and Chair of the Animal Accidents Reduction Group, said: "Operation Mountie has been a major part in helping to reduce livestock deaths over the last five years. It gives us a unique opportunity to talk to drivers and help spread the seasonal messages and making sure everyone knows who to call if they are unlucky enough to witness or are involved in a collision."

Charlotte Belcher, Recreation Manager at Forestry England, said: “Operation Mountie has played a critical role in helping to improve safety on Forest roads for both drivers and animals and we are pleased to have been involved in the initiative from the very beginning.

"Over the last five years I have spoken to hundreds of drivers, the vast majority of whom are local people who drive through the area regularly. Many of them simply were not aware of how ponies and other animals in the forest behave and the risks of driving across this landscape.

"It’s been really rewarding to see how education is helping to change this and supporting drivers to help improve their safety and that of forest animals. Thank you to everyone who drives safely across this special place.”

Victoria Mander, Chair of New Forest National Park Authority, said: “We’re proud to be a longstanding supporter of Operation Mountie and all that it’s achieved in the last five years to reduce animal accidents and educate road users in the Forest.

“We’re thankful for the large majority of road users who drive responsibly in the National Park and to the conditions, giving themselves the best chance to see and react to unpredictable livestock. We’re glad that of those who are stopped, most are very receptive and take on board the importance of driving with care in the New Forest.

“This is yet another example of what is possible when people and organisations work together as part of Team New Forest.”

If you witness, or are involved, in a collision with an animal on New Forest roads please dial Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary on 999 immediately and use #What3Words to give a location.

The New Forest Animal Accidents Reduction Group is supported by the New Forest 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, British Deer Society and New Forest Roads Awareness.