A WEST Devon-based action group this week branded the 40mph speed limit on Dartmoor a failure which has done nothing to prevent a catalogue of animal deaths and injuries on moorland roads.

The Dartmoor Society has published data recorded by two West Dartmoor farms during the last 12 months, which revealed the two farms had a minimum of 32 animals killed on open moorland roads during the year.

Dr Tom Greeves, chairman of The Dartmoor Society, said: ?We deplore the carnage inflicted on sheep, ponies and cattle, despite a 40mph speed limit which has been in place for seven-and-a-half years.

?It is clear that drivers are still not taking sufficient care when driving across Dartmoor, often in poor weather conditions.

?The speed limit should have taken effect by now, especially on those west Dartmoor roads, but there is no sign of it doing so.?

Dr Greeves said the society always argued a 40mph speed limit was the wrong measure to protect livestock, as 40mph could actually be far too fast in certain conditions.

?We advocate a culture of careful driving, whatever the road and weather conditions,? he said.

Dr Greeves said at a meeting in January between the society, the Highways Authority and Dartmoor National Park Authority, agreement was reached for specific measures to be introduced. None have yet been implemented, said Dr Greeves.

These measures were to

introduce signs near Postbridge, warning that sheep lie in the road; to place signs at each end of the Princetown to Yelverton road giving information about the number of animals killed on that stretch; and to place signs at Pork Hill car park warning the public not to feed ponies.

Dr Greeves said: ?In virtually all moorland car parks there is no information whatsoever for the general public about grazing animals and the dangers of feeding ponies. These measures were the very minimum we asked for and were agreed only reluctantly.

?We feel they are modest and positive proposals and are disappointed that nothing has yet been done.?

Dr Greeves said the society did not feel the time was right to try fencing off the busiest moorland roads: ?We don?t think these other methods have been properly tried and tested yet ? fencing would be a solution of sorts but would have a knock on effect ? the roads might become even more dangerous in some ways.?

Peek Hill and Moortown Farm reported 19 sheep, 11 ponies and two cattle killed between April 2002 and March 2003. The worst period was June to November, with a peak of 8 deaths in September.

Over a four-year period, each year has seen a total of 30-40 deaths. More than 80 animals belonging to Peek Hill Farm have been killed since April 1999.

John Weir of Dartmoor National Park Authority said the authority welcomed the collation of figures by the society and recognised there was a need on the part of DNPA and the county council to work to reduce animal deaths on moorland roads.

? We appreciate the support of the society in recognising the need to promote safe driving practices and will continue to work in partnership with the county to ensure appropriate messages are disseminated,? said Mr Weir.

He said Dartmoor ranger vehicles displayed reminders of speed limits and new signs warning of the dangers of feeding animals had been erected at Dunnabridge and Sharpitor, while the safe driving message remained on national park gateway signs.

?A further pony information board will be erected at Pork Hill car park this summer and it is understood that ?sheep in the road? signing at Merripit Hill will be installed by the county council during the current year,? said Mr Weir