THE death of so many animals on Dartmoor roads by irresponsible motorists makes sad reading, so I was astonished at the comment of Bill Cann, chairman of Dartmoor National Park Authority, that 'less damage is caused if an animal is hit at 40 miles an hour than 60 miles an hour'.
Even at 30 miles an hour an animal could possibly be killed or at least badly injured, but whatever the speed limit it would still be ignored by some motorists.
Some years ago, when driving over Blackdown one night, several black cattle suddenly crossed the road, and I hate to think what might have happened if I had not been driving slowly and so avoided them.
On another occasion when there was heavy traffic, a driver hit a sheep, but drove on leaving it badly injured in the road.
I was very pleased when it was fenced and I do not think this has lessened in any way the pleasure one gets of seeing the moor. It just makes the road safer for everyone.
Cynthia Willcock
Whitchurch