High Viz Neck Collars

by Paul Sumner
(Fordingbridge)

I note a few (very few) of the ponies in the New Forest wear reflective collars - obviously fitted by caring owners - would it be worth a campaign to make it formal for owners to fit their animals with such collars. I doubt this could apply to pigs, deer etc..but certainly to Ponies, Donkeys, Fouls and cattle/calves..? Not an expensive option, and this will certainly assist on those evenings and night times when most accidents happen. Such a tragic record of accidents - and so many unnecessary deaths...

My reply
Hello Paul
Thank you for your very valid comment on the number of high viz collars worn by New Forest animals. Here's what I feel with both pro's and cons
1. High viz collars are now free to Commoners so why wouldn't you use them on your animals?
2. Sadly they provide help but many animals are hit from behind so at this time tail high viz options are being tested. If you go out towards Fritham you will see a couple of ponies with tail attachments (one green one red)
3. From my experience they can have long life durability or last a few days. My pony had his replaced as it was dulling and too crinkly - the replacement lasted one day! Luckily I had a new replacement which went on for months.
4. Many animals you see are extremely feral and are only ever caught at The Drift or if they need medical attention. Keeping them in high viz would be very difficult
5. I'm glad you mentioned donkeys and cows. The Verderers have come up with a collar which fits a donkey (big head, small neck was a challenge) and so you'll see more donkeys hopefully wearing them.
Last year a beautiful Aberdeen Angus cow was knocked down near us despite wearing a high viz and being on a very quiet single lane residential road. Deep trauma to the cow who survived and the owner who is reconsidering using his Commoners rights. It was probably the result of a local driving too fast and without due care.
6. Some animals are dreadful near the road which is why extra care is needed. Donkeys and cows tend to just step out instantly (there will be a donkey which was killed near Brook on next weeks Verderers animals accident figs)
7. Recent speed checks resulted in 10,000 motorists being caught speeding with a top speed of 74m.p.h. as the highest count. With driving levels like this it is only a matter of time before an animal is hit.
8. Lots of well publicised work has been going on over the last year in particular to come up with a solution. The work is ongoing and will hopefully help to protect more animals as schemes are put in place in the future.
9. As a Commoner road accidents are a daily fear which is why our animals are checked every day.

Comments for High Viz Neck Collars

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Oct 01, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Speed LCD Boards
by: Paul

Hi Una..I raised a comment just now about LCD speed boards..I did not mean it to be anonymous..missed that tab..apologies..Paul.
Oct 01, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Speed Warnings
by: Anonymous

Hi Una,

I note a lot of villages have illuminated (LCD) speed notices that flash when entering at a higher speed that permitted. I wonder if it may be possible to erect some of these signs (similar to that 40MPH LCD board when rounding the bend by the Old Beams Inn by Harbridge) at intervals along the main accident routes in the area. How to fund it would be an issue, maybe lottery grants or NFDC may be able to advise, or does it require a petition locally..how would this be progressed..? Paul.

Hi Paul
Just wanted to reply to this. I believe it would be something Hampshire County Council Highways would need to be involved with perhaps together with Harbridge Parish Council as well as NFDC and the police?
Thanks for raising it - Christina
Oct 01, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Reflective Collars
by: Pauline

In principle reflective collars are an excellent idea or even reflective paint on the ponies behind!

Unfortunately my experience of reflective collars with my one pony that I have turned out is that they don't stay on.

I have fitted her out about 5 or 6 times with a collar and each time she finds a handy gorse bush and hooks it off again. So I have given up trying to kit her out with one!
Jun 08, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Possible Volunteer Road Patrols
by: Christina

Can I ask as many people as possible to comment on what Una has to say please.
She's had a horrible experience and it would be great to gauge feedback on future action she may be able to take/set up to prevent more road deaths.
Jun 08, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Possible Volunteer Road Patrols ?
by: Una Gillespie

Hello
I have just been reading the caring comments on this website as I looked for information on New Forest Animals. Last night I saw a dead pony (already had been moved to the side by Police I was told).

There was a small herd complete with foal standing by it as I passed and I went back to check that it was really dead - it was still warm.

I was so upset for the pony that I would like to do something to help stop speeding motorists and wonder if it would be possible to start a volunteer patrol of the New Forest roads? We could wear high viz tabards and take down number plates of those going too fast. Or could we partition for the speed limit to be set at 30mph?

I am guessing many people have tried to do something - also it may not be allowed or prove difficult (even dangerous) for people to be standing around the forest verges ?

Please could anyone let me know their thoughts on this.

Thank you so much.

Una
Apr 08, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		High Viz neck collars
by: Christina

Hello Paul
Thank you for your very valid comment on the number of high viz collars worn by New Forest animals. Here's what I feel with both pro's and cons
1. High viz collars are now free to Commoners so why wouldn't you use them on your animals?
2. Sadly they provide help but many animals are hit from behind so at this time tail high viz options are being tested. If you go out towards Fritham you will see a couple of ponies with tail attachments (one green one red)
3. From my experience they can have long life durability or last a few days. My pony had his replaced as it was dulling and too crinkly - the replacement lasted one day! Luckily I had a new replacement which went on for months.
4. Many animals you see are extremely feral and are only ever caught at The Drift or if they need medical attention. Keeping them in high viz would be very difficult
5. I'm glad you mentioned donkeys and cows. The Verderers have come up with a collar which fits a donkey (big head, small neck was a challenge) and so you'll see more donkeys hopefully wearing them.
Last year a beautiful Aberdeen Angus cow was knocked down near us despite wearing a high viz and being on a very quiet single lane residential road. Deep trauma to the cow who survived and the owner who is reconsidering using his Commoners rights. It was probably the result of a local driving too fast and without due care.
6. Some animals are dreadful near the road which is why extra care is needed. Donkeys and cows tend to just step out instantly (there will be a donkey which was killed near Brook on next weeks Verderers animals accident figs)
7. Recent speed checks resulted in 10,000 motorists being caught speeding with a top speed of 74m.p.h. as the highest count. With driving levels like this it is only a matter of time before an animal is hit.
8. Lots of well publicised work has been going on over the last year in particular to come up with a solution. The work is ongoing and will hopefully help to protect more animals as schemes are put in place in the future.
9. As a Commoner road accidents are a daily fear which is why our animals are checked every day.
Many thanks for taking the time to comment and I hope you enjoy reading more on my website now and in the future.

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