NEXT time you might not be so lucky.

That was the warning given to more than 60 motorists caught breaking the 40mph limit in the New Forest yesterday.

Police, commoners and verderers joined forces to teach drivers a harsh lesson on the consequences if they hit an animal.

The 40mph limit is purposefully set to protect the 6,200 ponies, cattle and donkeys which roam the forest freely all year round.

Drivers caught flouting the restriction at two notorious accident hot spots were given the choice of a fixed penalty notice and points on their licence, or a talk with someone who has experienced the loss of an animal.

Motorists were asked to pull into a car park for the warning and to come face-to-bonnet with a horse that they could have hit.

Sgt Tim Adams of New Forest west police said: "The aim of this exercise is not speed enforcement. It is to get the message across that we must respect the speed limit across the Forest. If you hit a pony or cattle you are not only likely to seriously injure or kill the animal but also yourself."

"The first person we clocked was a motorcyclist going at 72mph. He went off with food for thought and hopefully the next time he drives across the Forest he will go considerably slower. Either that or he will end up in a box."

More than 60 drivers were stopped at special checkpoints set up on the B3078 Cadnam to Fordingbridge road and the C10 Picket Post to Burley Road.

Three fixed penalty tickets were issued to people who had been driving so fast that it could not be overlooked.

Statistics reveal that 118 Forest animals were either killed or injured in traffic accidents in 2004, 42 of which were not reported to the police.

"If they get hit they normally get a broken leg and some of the animals can be left for days in great pain if the accident is not reported," said Peter Rix, a New Forest agister.

"Everyone knows the speed limit is 40mph but people use excuses such as being late for work."

Figures for last year show that local motorists were responsible for 75 per cent of accidents where animals were killed or injured.