New hedgehog road signs introduced to warn motorists of small creatures and reverse decline in wildlife numbers

NEW road signs featuring a picture of a hedgehog will warn motorists of smaller wildlife. Current signs focus on smaller species such as toads, or bigger animals including deer and cattle. The new warnings will be placed in areas with large numbers of animals such as hedgehogs, otters, squirrels and badgers. Transport bosses hope the […]

NEW road signs featuring a picture of a hedgehog will warn motorists of smaller wildlife.

Current signs focus on smaller species such as toads, or bigger animals including deer and cattle.

Alamy

Signs warning drivers of hedgehogs and other small animals have already been introduced in countries such as Sweden[/caption]

The new warnings will be placed in areas with large numbers of animals such as hedgehogs, otters, squirrels and badgers.

Transport bosses hope the signs, which already appear abroad in nations such as Sweden, will cut accidents and reverse a fall in wildlife numbers.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling called on councils and animal charities to identify suitable sites for them.

Jill Nelson, of the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, said: “We welcome this focus on road safety and protection for all small mammals.”

PA:Press Association

Transport bosses hope the new signs will ensure all small creatures are safe when crossing busy roads[/caption]

Alamy

A report earlier this year found that rural hedgehog numbers have halved since 2000, with just 750,000 hedgehogs left in the UK[/caption]

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