The Pony and the Pedestrian: A cautionary tale (February 2008, William Norris QC and James Todd)

Articles12th February 2008

“The New Forest was created by William the Conqueror in 1079 as a royal deer hunting park. Today it is better known for its free-ranging ponies and as a welcome haven of landscape and wildlife in the otherwise over populated south coast. Its scenic and environmental qualities were key to its designation as a National Park and remain striking despite the adverse impact of prodigious traffic levels at holiday time. Sadly, ponies and visitors frequently come into conflict as a result of the former wandering onto the unfenced roads and being struck by vehicles. But it is very unusual for problems to arise for others who use the Forest in circumstances where the ponies share the open areas with many walkers, picnickers and cyclists. However, accidents do very occasionally happen and, in today’s world, it may not be surprising if litigation ensues…”