CIVIC chiefs have launched a new campaign to reduce animal accidents in Hampshire and ease the suffering of ponies injured in crashes.

More than 30,000 information cards containing advice and emergency hotline numbers are being given to locals in a bid to cut the carnage.

They aim to encourage people to drive more carefully and also include the details of organisations that need to be alerted after a collision.

It comes as award-winning composer Andrew Lloyd Webber launches his own attempt to reduce the number of animal accidents in Hampshire.

The 68-year-old musician says motorists hurtling down country routes near his Kingsclere estate are posing a potentially lethal risk to horse riders.

He has already raised the issue with his local parish council in a move backed by other horse lovers in the area.

Following a council debate the British Horse Society said 2,000 accidents involving horses had occurred across the UK in the past five years, resulting in the deaths of 36 riders and 181 animals.

Most of the collisions in the New Forest involve the area's iconic ponies, which roam free.

This year has seen a spate of hit-and-run incidents in which badly-injured animals were left to suffer.

The new cards urge drivers to ring police on 101 or the Forestry Commission on 0300 067 4600 in the event of a collision.

They are being handed out with annual parking permits, known as clocks, which are bought by motorists who use car parks owned by the district council.

Devised by the council and the National Park Authority (NPA), the initiative is based on an idea by animal lover Gilly Jones, of Burley.

Nigel Matthews, the NPA's head of recreation management and learning, said: ‘We’re always interested in good ideas that help reduce the number of animals being killed on Forest roads and this very timely suggestion has helped us reach many of the people who drive here the most.

"The cards should help prevent drivers from becoming complacent and encourage them to drive safely."

District councillor Fran Carpenter added: "If the thousands of people who buy parking clocks this year drive more slowly and carefully, and know exactly who to contact in the event of an accident, this joint venture may protect some animals from unnecessary suffering.

"It’s a very positive step. I thank Gilly for her idea and all parties for coming together to make it happen."