Driving safely in the New Forest
Human residents share the National Park with over 7,000 livestock that belong to commoners. Although the major roads are fenced, the ponies, donkeys, cattle, pigs and sheep have right of way on all other Forest highways: they have no road sense and are unpredictable!
For safety reasons there is a maximum speed limit of 40mph on all unfenced roads and drivers should slow down and pass with care any animals that are on the road or verge. Most animal accidents occur at night and motorists are urged to be especially careful then.
The National Park is also a popular place for horse-riding, so slow down and allow plenty of room when driving past a rider or a horse-drawn vehicle.