Devon drivers warned over deer on roads

Driver Richard Hunt said he could do nothing to prevent his collision with a deer near Exeter

Drivers have been urged to slow down to reduce the number of road accidents involving deer this spring.

About 500 deer are killed on Devon roads every year according to the Highways Agency.

Almost half of the deaths are between April and June when deer are moving around more than usual to protect their territories, it said.

The agency has put up temporary warning signs along some main roads asking drivers to take more care.

Driver Richard Hunt, who hit a deer on Telegraph Hill near Exeter on 11 May, said: "This deer popped out but it was too late and I caught it with my right front end.

"It was one of those lottery things. I have driven along this road hundreds of times."