Scare tactics to save deer
A series of emergency measures to scare animals from busy roads in Kidderminster are being tested following an increase in the number of accidents.
Wild deer have been killed in a series of collisions with cars along the A456 Kidderminster to Tenbury Wells Road leading to growing concern among forestry staff.
Desperate attempts have now been launched to try and stop the animals approaching the road including the use of sophisticated acoustic reflectors, which emit a noise.
Worcestershire County Council has joined forces with Forestry Commission staff and West Mercia Police have joined forces to deal with the problem which poses as much risk to drivers as the animals.
Signs have already been put up along the road warning drivers to be on their guard and more research is underway to find other methods of dealing with the problem.
If the trials on the acoustic reflectors are successful, they will be deployed along roads throughout the Wyre Forest. Jo Fowler, information officer for Forestry Commission England, said the problem was increasing in the region especially near to Kidderminster.
"In the last year there has been an increase in the number of road accidents involving deer in the Wyre Forest particularly at one blackspot on the A456 Kidderminster to Tenbury Wells Road. We are currently researching a number of mitigation measures to reduce road accidents involving deer."
Wild deer are thought to be responsible for about 5,000 accidents each year on roads across the Midlands, according to a new report.
The findings come from a six-year study into deer and vehicle collisions revealed at a Deer Initiative two-day summit which opened in Bux- ton, Derbyshire yesterday.
BASC deer officer Alan McCormick said: "Deer populations are growing every year so it is really important for everyone involved in deer management to discuss the problems and solutions."
