GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S Police & Crime Commissioner Martin Surl has funded a pilot to reduce the number of collisions on Rodborough and Minchinhampton commons.

Visitors to both commons will shortly be seeing cattle on the common wearing reflective neck collars to make them more visible to motorists. Every year there are numerous collisions with motorists and cattle and this project in partnership with the Common Graziers and the National Trust aims at reducing this trend.

Two different types of collars will be evaluated over the next few months to establish the most resilient and effective. If it is a success then the Commissioner will fund a role out of the best collar so that the cattle and motorists are protected ready for the darker evenings.

Martin Surl said:  ”As a local man I am well aware of the problems of cattle grazing on the commons. This project will help to deliver my priority of ‘safe & social driving’. Fortunately there have not been any serious injuries to people over the last few years but that is only a matter of time. As the traffic flows have increased over the last few years so have the collisions.  The collars will hopefully give motorists the warning they need to avoid these accidents”