With the UK deer population at a record level, Hertfordshire County
Council is asking drivers to be extra vigilant on the roads this autumn.

At this time of year, the male fallow deer exhibits unpredictable behaviour and can travel many miles a day in search of a mate, crossing roads in the process.

The most common time for the male deer to roam is at dawn and dusk, which in late September and October coincides with the morning and evening rush-hours. 

The deer population in Hertfordshire, which mainly consists of fallow deer and muntjac deer, is widespread across the county with particular concentrations in pockets of woodland countryside.

Although deer are present in residential areas, it is where major roads pass near wooded areas, with traffic moving at high speeds, that there is a particular risk of collisions with crossing animals.

In locations which are known migration crossing points, the council has taken steps to erect deer fences, especially on major new roads. However, because the wild deer, population is so widespread the council says it cannot protect every road.

Therefore motorists are being urged to be extra cautious and drive a little slower at this time of the year, especially on rural A roads.