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What can be done about the A120's dead deer problem?
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Residents near Great Dunmow in Essex have reported an increasing number of dead deer along a two-mile stretch of the A120, with Uttlesford District Council figures showing 43 reports so far in 2026, surpassing totals from previous years.
- The rise in deer road deaths is attributed to factors such as the autumn rutting season, increased deer movement, and local development reducing green spaces, prompting concerns among the community.
- The British Deer Society advises drivers to remain vigilant, especially at dawn and dusk, avoid using full beam headlights near deer, and not to swerve suddenly to prevent accidents.
- Responsibility for removing dead animals on roads varies: National Highways handles major routes like the A120, while local councils manage smaller roads and verges, with removals prioritized when safety risks exist.
- Proposed solutions include maintaining and improving fencing to prevent deer from accessing roads, conducting annual culls to control populations, and encouraging venison consumption to support sustainable deer management.
