What we are doing to reduce animal casualties
The New Forest 'Stay under 40' campaign aims to promote the need for drivers to be vigilant while travelling through the New Forest by
issuing relevant publicity;
fitting reflective collars on ponies to make them more visible at night; and
introducing inset edges of carriageway lines to reduce vehicle speeds.
Due to the high number of casualties inflicted on our animals, it was found necessary to impose a maximum 40mph speed limit. To be more accurate, this means that you should only drive at speeds up to a maximum of 40mph. During the hours of darkness and in adverse driving conditions driving speed should be considerably less. Be aware that while some ponies are wearing reflective collars, they may be accompanied by other animals that are not, so when you see one collar illuminated do not assume that the animal is alone.
Stay below 40 and give animals right of way
You or your insurers will be expected to bear the costs incurred as a result of having an accident, which can include the value of the animal, any veterinary costs, and in the case of a fatality, disposal of the carcass. It is far better not to have an accident, by observing the speed limits, and remain vigilant at all times.