Melanie Ward MP, Member of Parliament for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, has written to the Chief Executive of Transport Scotland to request the introduction of small mammal warning signs to help protect hedgehogs and other vulnerable animals on Scotland’s roads.
The call to action follows Melanie Ward’s visit to Burntisland Hedgehog Haven, where she met with Sharon and Andy to discuss the dangers faced by local wildlife. One key threat highlighted during the visit was the growing number of hedgehogs killed by road traffic, especially in areas with high hedgehog populations.
Warning Signs Already in Use in England
In England, the Department for Transport has already approved and introduced small mammal warning signs for use by local highway authorities. These signs are designed to alert drivers to the presence of animals such as hedgehogs and help reduce roadkill numbers.
However, no equivalent signage currently exists in Scotland. The only available option is the generic wild animal warning sign, which features a deer. As Sharon and Andy explained, this does not accurately reflect the variety of wildlife at risk and in most cases, drivers do not associate the deer symbol with smaller animals like hedgehogs.
Melanie Ward MP Speaks Out
“Hedgehogs and other small mammals are increasingly vulnerable to road traffic, and their population decline here in Scotland has been well documented by conservation organisations,” said Melanie Ward MP.
“Thanks to the advocacy of Sharon and Andy from Burntisland Hedgehog Haven, it is clear to me that this small policy change can have a real, lasting impact on our local wildlife populations.”
Melanie has now urged Transport Scotland to adopt the small mammal sign already used in England or to create a Scottish equivalent, adding it to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions for Scotland.
A Clear Message from Burntisland Hedgehog Haven
Sharon and Andy have been vocal about the need for better protection for hedgehogs on Scottish roads.
“We are calling on Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government to introduce the small animal road warning signage used in England,” said Sharon.
“It has now been two years since those signs were introduced under the UK Government but Scotland has not yet followed. Transport Scotland continues to rely on the deer sign, which most drivers do not associate with hedgehogs.
We ran a Facebook poll and the results clearly showed that people do not connect the deer sign with smaller animals. We need dedicated signs to protect species like hedgehogs, especially in known hot spots.”
The Numbers Are Alarming
It is estimated that 335,000 hedgehogs are killed on UK roads every year
Hedgehogs are now listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List
According to the Citizen Science Project, hedgehogs are in the top five most frequently recorded roadkill species
It is believed that over one billion animals are involved in vehicle collisions in the UK each year
Sharon added,
“Hedgehogs do not move quickly and drivers can avoid them if they are given warning. These signs would make a real difference and help preserve a species already under threat. Local councils should be able to obtain and install them in areas where they are most needed.”
We thank Melanie Ward MP for taking this issue to Transport Scotland and helping push forward what could be a simple but powerful change for wildlife protection across Scotland.
With love
Sharon, Andy and all the hedgehogs
A hedgehog out in the day is not OK. Call us straight away on 07577 000328.
