Hedgehog warning signs to be considered by council

Hedgehogs across England as registered as vulnerable to extinction

A council has said it is open to installing hedgehog warning signs to roads, following changes made by the Department for Transport (DfT).

The government department has simplified the signage process for local authorities.

Hampshire County Council can now place "small wild animal" warning signs where needed, rather than applying to the DfT on a case-by-case basis.

Hedgehogs across England are registered as vulnerable to extinction.

They are on the red list for Britain's mammals, with populations falling by 30% since 2000, and in rural areas by 75%.

'Fewer casualties'

Transport secretary Mark Harper said the "common-sense changes" would lead to "more small animal signs across the country, cutting down on bureaucracy to help protect both drivers and small animals".

He said it would also improve road safety and ensure "fewer casualties are checked into wildlife hospitals".

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: "We already work closely with a number of local wildlife and community groups to support their efforts in preserving different animal species through the erection of various forms of wildlife signage.

"This includes temporary signs for migrating species, such as toads, in certain parts of the county, as well as permanent road signs to help safeguard larger wildlife, such as horses in the New Forest.

"The hedgehog sign is one of a number of signs provided by the Department for Transport for local authorities to use.

"To date, we do not have any in situ, but would consider requests for their provision should evidence show that they are justified."

Hampshire was revealed to be the top county for spotting hedgehogs in 2019, according to Hedgehog Street's Big Hedgehog Map.

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