Wandering sheep and cattle continue to create a road hazard for drivers on West Coast and Buller highways, and the New Zealand Transport Agency says owners will face a possible prosecution for negligence if a crash occurs.
Areas of most concern are the Coast Road, SH6, between Greymouth and Westport, SH6 south of Hokitika, State Highway 7, north of Greymouth to Reefton and Springs Junction, Arthurs Pass to Kumara Junction, and SH67, north of Westport towards Karamea.
In each of the past two years, there have been more than 70 reports of stock on the region’s state highways says the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
“Winter driving conditions add to the difficulty of seeing farm stock with fewer daylight hours and increased chances of fog in the mornings,” says NZTA Journey Manager Lee Wright.
“Rural property owners are required to ensure their land is securely fenced to prevent animals from straying onto the highway,” says Wright
“They are also liable for any damage caused if their stock is wandering, and if animals cause a crash, and the owners are proven to be negligent, then a prosecution will occur,” he says,
“Each report of an animal or more than one animal on the road or grazing next to the road requires the NZTA or local councils to secure the animals safely, to keep the highways safe,” says Wright
“The numbers do not alter that much between the 2014/15 year and the current year about to end,” he says.
“There are also similar numbers for different parts of the network, suggesting some owners are not taking the need to fence their stock safely in a serious manner,” says Wright.
“The consequences of a collision with a massive beast, in particular, can be very severe, resulting in death and serious injury,” he says.
People are asked to report any wandering stock to the Transport Agency by phoning 0800 4 HIGHWAYS.
