Simpler Road signs to protect Small Animals and boost safety

HEDGEHOGS and other small animals will be better protected on English roads under rule changes announced on:- 22 December 2023 that will make it easier for local authorities to put up wildlife warning signs.

The current hedgehog sign will be updated following feedback from the sector to make it clearer for drivers. Alongside this, rules around the small wildlife warning signs will be relaxed to make it easier for local authorities to put up small wildlife warning signs, helping to better protect hedgehogs and other small animals.

Changes made by the Department for Transport will ensure local authorities are able to place small wild animal warning signs where they are needed most rather than having to apply to the Department on a case by case basis.

To mark the change, Transport Secretary Mark Harper visited Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Buckinghamshire to meet a host of furry - and spiky; friends, many on the mend from road accidents. Touring the facility, he witnessed a hedgehog undergo surgery for a leg injury, ran a bath for hydrotherapy treatments, helped to weigh animals, and witnessed 1 hedgehog pose in front of the new look sign.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said:- "It was an absolute pleasure to see behind the scenes at the famous Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital, where I witnessed the incredible work they do to heal a wide range of wildlife. These common sense changes will lead to more small animal signs across the country, cutting down on bureaucracy to help protect both drivers and small animals, improving safety on our roads and making sure fewer casualties are checked in to wildlife Hospitals like these."

The small animal warning sign depicts a hedgehog and was first introduced in 2019. As well as cutting the restrictive red tape preventing them being placed, the Government has also refreshed the design by adding white quills to the hedgehog's back. This will improve clarity and make it more visible from a distance for all road users.

The changes will also help protect vital crossing routes for hedgehogs and other small mammals, particularly on rural roads. Hedgehog numbers in particular have dropped by:- 30% to 75% in rural areas since the millennium, with traffic a major factor in the decline.

Colin Stocker, CEO at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital said:- "On behalf of myself and everyone here at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital we were delighted to welcome Mark Harper to the Hospital to hear more about the policy change that will make the process for erecting small mammal road signs easier. A lot of the 14,000 animals admitted to us every year come in due to road traffic accidents and making motorists more aware of their presence and encouraging them to be more cautious is a great step towards helping British wildlife. We were able to show Mark around our Hospital and he was able to see some of the patients we currently have in and meet the veterinary team behind the lifesaving work carried out here. We hope this policy change will result in more signage that in turn will remind motorists to be mindful of British wildlife when out and about."

This announcement will help reduce bureaucracy for local authorities, allowing them to focus their resources more effectively on delivering for their communities and follows recent announcements committing to improving conditions for motorists across the UK under the Plan for Drivers and Network North.

The Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital was established by Les and Sue Stoker in 1978 as a refuge for injured animals to receive treatment and rehabilitation.

THE cast of the M&S Bank Arena's panto Sleeping Beauty made an extra special visit to surprise the families staying at the free:- 'home away from home' accommodation provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, close to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

This Christmas, Sleeping Beauty at The Auditorium, in the M&S Bank Arena, stars:- reality TV legend Katie Price as Carabosse, comedy star Bippo as The Castle Clown, Britain's Got Talent finalist Lucy Kay, as The Fairy, Joseph Hewlitt, as the Prince and Hope Thompson as Princess Beauty.

The cast headed to Alder Hey House after performing 2 packed out shows earlier that day to visit with the families whose children are being treated at the hospital over Christmas. They spent a couple of hours listening to stories, signing autographs, posing for pictures with families and staff, giving out gifts and making everyone feel special.

Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey is located next to the world famous Alder Hey Children's Hospital. It offers a free, safe place to stay for families of seriously ill children receiving care and treatment at the Hospital.

Katie Price said:- "It must be so hard for families to get into the Christmas spirit with their children in Hospital so I'm really happy we were able to come and spend some time here to bring a bit of panto sparkle and hopefully put some smiles on faces. The staff are incredible here, they do everything they can to make everyone feel at home. I can see the wonderful impact that this place has on so many families during really difficult times."

Ronald McDonald Alder Hey House Manager Lynne Wright said:- "Christmas can be a particularly difficult time when you have a seriously ill child in hospital. That's why we were thrilled to welcome the stars of Sleeping Beauty to the House, as they helped to bring a bit of Christmas magic to the families we're supporting over the festive period. Our families might not be able to get out to the theatre this Christmas, but this special visit allowed them to make some happy memories, even when they're going through such difficult times. We can't thank the cast enough for this kind gesture."

Sleeping Beauty is currently performing at The Auditorium at M&S Bank Arena until:- 30 December 2023. For more information and to book tickets visit:- MandSBankArena.Com.