DRIVERS are being urged to take extra care in the New Forest as the area braces itself for the worst two months of the year for animal accidents.

November and December usually see a spike in the number of collisions involving free-roaming animals, with motorists confronted by shorter daylight hours and the glare of oncoming headlights from late afternoon onwards.

Now, with the clocks about to go back, campaigners say road users should always expect the unexpected.

Last year 50 animals in the Forest were killed and a further 21 injured, despite lockdowns and other Covid restrictions resulting in lower traffic levels.

Craig Harrison, Forestry England’s Deputy Surveyor of the New Forest, said: ‘Forest roads will be much busier this year as more of us travel to and from work.

"We would like to remind everyone working and travelling in the Forest to take extra care and be especially mindful of animals on or close to the roads.

"As the days get shorter visibility can be very poor and it’s important to drive to the changing weather conditions at this time of year."

The National Park Authority’s executive director, Steve Avery, said accidents could cause untold suffering to animals as well as injuries to people and extensive damage to vehicles.

He added: "By slowing down in the dark, especially when oncoming vehicles approach, drivers, passengers and the animals will be much safer."

Gilly Jones, of New Forest Roads Awareness, said motorists who see animals in the road should treat them with as much caution as they would small children.

Head agister Jonathan Gerrelli, who is responsible for supervising the day-to-day welfare of commoners' livestock, added: "Free-roaming animals have no road sense and can appear suddenly in front of your vehicle with little warning.

"At this time of year, when the clocks change and you find yourself driving home in the dark, particular care is needed."

Anyone involved in a collision with a pony, cow, donkey, pig or sheep is required by law to report it to the police by calling 999 as soon as possible.

Mr Gerrelli said hit-and-run accidents could result in animals being left to suffer for hours or even days.

"Even if it runs off the animal could be seriously injured, so call the police and an agister will be sent out to search for the casualty," he said.