DRIVERS who risk human and animal lives by breaking the speed limit on New Forest roads can expect to feel the full force of the law.

Police say they are determined to beat the speeders who think the 40mph limit on unfenced roads is not for them.

Officers started as they mean to go on last week when they set up a speed trap on Roger Penny Way - the B3078 Brook to Fordingbridge road - and handed out warnings and advice to motorists going faster than 40.

A full dozen of them were going so fast that officers had no option but to issue fixed penalty notices which gave each of the offenders a £60 pain in the wallet and three points on their driving licence.

Sgt Louise Hubble of Country Watch said: "All the drivers stopped were driving in excess of 50 mph, with the highest being 64 mph.

"It was disappointing to discover that all of the drivers stopped were residents of the New Forest."

Drivers can expect to find more speed limits on forest roads with high animal accident statistics like the B3078 during the year.

Police are not saying when or where speed enforcement teams will be in action.

A spokesman said: "We don't have a set number. We will do them on a regular basis when we are able to."

Hard-hitting posters showing the consequences of crashing into an animal are being put up in car parks, shops and petrol stations as part of this year's campaign.

The poster shows the rear quarters of a pony that has crashed through the front window of a car.

Deputy Chief Insp Gary Cooper said speed limits have a purpose.

"Walkers, cyclists and forest animals also use routes through the New Forest," he said.

"Last year there were 128 animals either killed or injured on the roads in the New Forest.

"On 33 occasions those people involved didn't even bother to report the accidents.

"All drivers should respect this freedom and ensure the safety of animals, pedestrians and themselves by sticking to the speed limit."