East Sussex County Council has worked closely with the Ashdown Forest Conservators to place larger and more prominent signs on the A22 at Wych Cross and Nutley.
These 'gateways' comprise two large, highly visible, yellow panels which form the background to a triangular, red-bordered deer warning sign and a plate stating the distance covered: 'For 2 1/4 miles'. The older signs warning of deer have been removed.
The section of the A22 bordered by the new signs has had more traffic collisions involving deer than any other comparable stretch in Britain. Last year Ashdown Forest Rangers dealt with 336 collisions with deer on roads in and around the forest. About half the deer involved in these collisions are still alive, but very gravely injured, when the rangers arrive.
Councillor Matthew Lock, Lead Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment said: “We have had deer signs on the A22 for many years but despite this there have been a large number of accidents involving deer. These new gateways will increase awareness of deer on this particularly affected stretch of road. However, drivers should remember that deer may appear on any of the roads in and around Ashdown Forest.”
It is hoped that East sussex County Council will be in a position to erect warning signs between Wych Cross and Forest Row later in this financial year.
Reference:
1512
Contact the press team
