New 'beware of the boar' sign planned for UK roads

'Beware the boar' sign planned for UK roads

Authorities are considering bringing out a 'beware of boars' road sign in the UK after a motorist lost his life when he crashed into one of the animals on the M4 last week.

The new sign would be erected near "infested" areas, as well as barriers to keep boars, which can weigh around 20 stone, off the road.

Transport officials are discussing the idea after the death of Raymond Green, who died when his car collided with a boar that had strayed onto the M4 in Wiltshire.

The animal was also killed after being hit by an articulated lorry.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, John Hayes, the roads minister, said he was shocked by Green's death, adding: "Road safety in the context of wild boars is an emerging issue that needs to be addressed.

"The addition of a warning sign for wild boar in areas with populations of the animals would be a sensible step to encourage people to slow down and watch out."

Numbers of wild boar in Britain are thought to be rising fast. There are two known large populations in the Forest of Dean and Kent, making up about 4,000 animals.

But there are potentially thousands more roaming the country.

Not only are they potentially dangerous for road users, there has also been reports of boars attacking ramblers and farmers.

And, last week, Princess Anne reported that a boar broke into her farm and killed a prized Gloucestershire Old Spot pig.

The princess, who lives at Gatcombe Park, is the part of the Gloucestershire Old Spots Pig Breeders' Club, and has kept pigs at her home for years.

Speaking to the BBC, she said: "We had a visitation in my woods from a wild boar.

"Unfortunately, my two sows are obviously in season, but we had just put the boar in with them.

"My Gloucester Old Spot boar is no longer around - he was killed by this visiting wild boar."

Local authorities and the Highways Agency already have signs warning motorists of wild deer, horses, migratory toads and ducks.