TRAFFIC signs installed to reduce the number of animals killed on Dartmoor roads by speeding motorists have been vandalised, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Three interactive traffic signs were purchased and placed at several locations in the Dartmoor National Park in an effort to reduce the numbers of animals killed in road traffic accidents.

The signs, funded through a partnership between the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society (DLPS), Dartmoor Forest Parish Council (DFPC) and the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA), warn motorists if they are exceeding the 40mph speed limit across Dartmoor and record the speed and time of the offence.

But now, two of the three traffic signs — at Peek Hill, between Dousland and Princetown, and Bennetts Cross — appeared to have been vandalised using a ‘tyre iron’ and causing almost £8,000 worth of damage.

Cllr Gregg Manning, chairman of Dartmoor Forest Parish Council, said the vandalism, which occurred between midnight on Saturday, September 23 and noon on Sunday, September 24, is a ‘cruel blow’ to the campaign to slow motorists and protect the animals on the moor.

‘Over the last weekend someone intentionally went out and smashed two of these signs. Both the signs and the solar panels look as if they have been hit with a tyre iron — it seems as if someone was on a mission.

‘We were so proud of them and I don’t understand the mentality of who did this and why?

‘These signs were purchased for the community by the community and whilst we already know the poor driving that is sometimes employed on the moors is responsible for many animal deaths this sort of wanton destruction is both malicious and nasty.’

Dartmoor Livestock Protection officer Karla McKechnie said: ‘We at the DLPS feel gutted and sickened that people feel it is ok to do this. The signs were to help the animals and slow the traffic down, and we are doing it for the farming community and raise awareness of speeding.

‘Since January we have still had 123 road traffic accidents involving animals on the moors and we are only just entering the darker evenings.

‘We are not against motorists we are anti-speeding and wreckless driving.’

The police are investigating and are asking if anyone saw the incidents to contact them on 101 quoting crime reference number CR/083399/17.

• Anyone who sees an animal injured or in distress, being worried or attacked by a dog or in need of help of any kind can contact Karla on 07873 587561.