The Department for Transport (DfT) in the UK has introduced a new road safety sign featuring the image of a hedgehog in a bid to protect small mammals, as well as drivers, from being injured and killed.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling launched the signs, designed to warn drivers of the potential hazard of animals in the road, on 17 June. Local authorities will place the warning signs in areas with a high concentration of wildlife — such as hedgehogs, badgers, otters and squirrels — as well as accident hotspots.
The DfT says the small wildlife signs will plug an existing gap between other wildlife road signs already in use in the UK that warn about the hazards of smaller animals such as toads and wildfowl, and larger mammals like deer.
“We have some of the safest roads in the world, but we are always looking at how we can make them safer,” commented Grayling. “Motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users are particularly at risk. The new small mammal warning sign should help to reduce the number of people killed and injured, as well as helping our precious small wild mammal population to flourish.”
In its latest figures, the DfT has revealed that between 2005 and 2017, 100 people were killed in road traffic accidents involving animals, with an additional 14,173 people being injured in such incidents.
Hedgehog numbers have declined dramatically in recent years, with the UK losing about a third of its hedgehog population since the year 2000. This is due to a variety of factors including road collisions, pesticides and loss of natural habitat.
Member of Parliament Chris Grayling is one decent human being, thank you Chris
Protecting wildlife is so important.
Although I am relieved to acknowledge this positive step and action taken in Great Britain, I am distressed to read and see images of the horrific canned hunting of lions done by Blackstone Safari in South Africa.
THE WORLD NEEDS TO PUT UP THESE WILDLIFE SIGNS
Thank you UK ! Drive slowly – everywhere – for animals please !
Love the little hedgehog image. I just hope it works and cuts down the number of road deaths for innocent animals. Notice I didn’t say anything about drivers. They should know better anyway.
Thank you UK for at least making the attempt to help save these animals.
Aww what a cute sign let’s hope people see it & don’t run over anymore little animals or any animals for that matter.
Take Care
All animals should be protected. They are a privilege. Good news for hedgehogs.
The time starts NOW. Protect the animals of the earth. All animal lives matter!!!
Hedgehogs and all wildlife should be protected.
the Galarneau family
About time! So glad!!!
LONG, long overdue!
Hope this helps the fast-vanishing cuties
WELL, FINALLY GOOD NEWS ABOUT A COUNTY DOING THE CORRECT THING WHEN IT COMES TO PROTECTING THE LITTLE WILD GUYS. MAY GOD BLESS THEM ALWAYS!!!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! GOD BLESS YOU
I’m proud someone is looking out for the hedgehog.