Campaigners are demanding that speed limits be reduced on rural roads in a bid to desperately protect natural wildlife and save drivers. A new Parliament petition is calling for the limits to be cut on country lanes due to concerns that quick drivers could “endanger” rare animal species.
Petition founders claim “too many native species” were being killed on UK roads with conservation coming under threat. Motorists may also be at risk if drivers run off the road in their attempt to swerve away from animals. Unlike urban routes or motorways, country lanes are usually close to natural habitats such as woods, forest and shrubs, meaning animals could be more at risk. Being so close to nature also leaves drivers with next to no reaction time if a rabbit, hare or deer runs out into the road.
The Parliament petition reads: “Decrease the speed limit on country roads to reduce the number of animals killed by cars, which could also reduce the number of accidents. This could also help the conservation of rare species that are frequently killed by vehicles, such as muntjacs and red squirrels.
“We think there are too many native species that are being killed due to the changing environment around roads and highways. We are concerned that fast drivers could endanger certain species. We think slowing down vehicles would give animals/drivers more time to react and also reduce the amount of dangerous crashes caused by people driving fast on small roads.”
So far, just over 100 people have signed the petition with at least 10,000 needed for an official Government response. Officials will consider putting the topic up for debate in Parliament if the petition receives over 100,000 signatures.
The poll was created by Jack Carter, with the survey open until the middle of September.
Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital has claimed that “only a small fraction of wildlife collisions are actually reported” by motorists. They stress that national estimates of wildlife mortality include 50,000 badgers, and as many as 335,000 European Hedgehogs per year.
The hospital also urged drivers to slow down to allow time to brake or react if an animal walks onto the tarmac.
They explained: “Whilst it may seem obvious, sticking to the speed limit is one of the best ways you can help prevent wildlife-traffic collisions as well as cats or dogs wandering across the road. Some drivers have a tendency to speed at night when there is less traffic.
“However, many species affected by road collisions are nocturnal, such as the European Hedgehog, for whom road accidents represent 10–20% of their annual mortality.”