DRIVERS have been caught speeding on a Hampshire road just days after four New Forest ponies were killed in an accident.

The ponies, all owned by New Forest commoner Katie Ferrett, died after being hit by a Land Rover Discovery that was travelling along Roger Penny Way, near Bramshaw.

The driver was travelling at less than 40mph - the speed limit on all unfenced roads in the district.

But a police speed check carried out yesterday in the wake of the accident showed that other motorists are prepared to flout the limit.

A police spokesperson said: "Police Community Support Officer Richard Williams spent an hour on Roger Penny Way and nine cars were caught exceeding the 40mph speed limit. The top speed was 49 mph."

The four ponies were killed opposite the entrance to Roundhill car park at 8.45pm on New Year's Eve.

In a statement the New Forest Roads Awareness group said: "No commoner should have to receive a phone call telling them that they have lost multiple animals in one incident.

"This has happened three times in the last three weeks. Nine animals have died - three donkeys, two sheep and now four ponies.

"People that they have a responsibility, once they cross a cattle grid, to drive animal-aware.

"You must drive to the conditions, knowing animals will either be crossing the road or in the road. They have right of way, and have no road sense.

"Some people don't care about the animals and see them as an obstacle at the side of the road.

"We'd like to remind them that a large animal coming through their windscreen could be fatal to themselves or their passengers.

"The damage to the vehicle can easily write if off."