ROGUE animals venturing onto roads is causing hundreds of lane closures each year, new figures have revealed.

Data from Highways England shows that there were 507 incidents as a result of creatures on motorways in 2020 and a further 94 on A-roads.

This is a decrease on the 638 and 107 respectively that were recorded the year before.

Duncan McClure Fisher, founder and CEO of leading motoring association MotorEasy, who obtained the stats, urged drivers to be alert for potential hazards on the road but warned that swerving to avoid hitting an animal can actually do more harm than good.

He said: "While none of us want to cause harm or suffering to one of nature’s creatures, it’s important for drivers to be aware that taking evasive action could put yourself or other motorists in danger."