MOTORISTS are being urged to slow down on New Forest roads after animal accidents increased last year.

Despite publicity and initiatives to raise awareness of the dangers, 67 commoners’ animals were killed or had to be put down after a road accident.

The number of animals injured also increased from 27 in 2010, to 36 in 2011, and accidents the agisters attended went from 161 to 174.

Bob Morris, New Forest National Park Authority member, said: “The number of accidents in 2010 was the lowest on record.

“We are working very closely with Hampshire County Council which is putting new signs up to try and reduce these accidents.”

Sue Westwood, chair of the Animal Accident Reduction Group said: “It is disappointing that 75 of the accidents in 2011 invovled local drivers.”