The campaign, in partnership with Transport Scotland and Traffic Scotland, comes at a crucial time of year when young roe deer begin to roam further afield in search of new territory—leading to an increase in deer-vehicle collisions, especially near wooded areas and busy junctions.
Electronic signs warning of deer on the roads will be active across key routes, including high-risk areas near Stirling such as the M9 east of the Pirnhall Interchange, until June 13.
'Take extra care'
Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee Convener, Cllr Jen Preston said: “We fully support this important campaign from NatureScot. Stirling’s stunning natural surroundings mean that roe deer are a familiar sight in our rural and even suburban areas. But that beauty also brings risk—particularly at this time of year when deer are most active near our roads.
“We’re urging all drivers in and around Stirling to stay alert, slow down near wooded or scrub areas, and take extra care at dawn and dusk. A moment’s awareness could prevent a serious collision.”
According to NatureScot, around 2,000 deer-related vehicle collisions are reported each year across Scotland—though the true number is likely much higher. Stirling’s position on major road corridors like the M9, A9, and A811 makes it particularly important for local drivers to take heed.
Dominic Sargent, NatureScot Deer Policy Officer, said: “According to the data, there are almost 2,000 recorded collisions between vehicles and deer across Scotland each year, and many more will go unreported.
“In urban and sub-urban areas, roe deer live close to people and transport routes, and high-risk areas for incidents include road junctions and major interchanges, some of which have areas of woodland and scrub nearby where roe deer can shelter, feed and even have their young.
“This campaign will remind drivers in these areas to be alert and slow down to help reduce the likelihood of collisions. We’re also continuing to explore what more can be done to mitigate the risk, including through local deer management plans.”
Angus Corby, Transport Scotland Landscape and Biodiversity Manager, said: “Reducing the risk of deer-vehicle-collisions across Scotland’s Trunk Road Network is a real challenge, and Transport Scotland is pleased to continue our important partnership with NatureScot to tackle the issue.
“We are working closely together to establish and maintain a picture of the high-risk areas across the country, so we can focus our mitigation efforts and make them as effective as possible, both for road-user safety as well as the welfare of the deer.”
Tips for driving safely:
- Particularly in peak times, slow down and watch for deer crossing roads. Be aware that if you're driving near woods, deer can suddenly appear leaving very little time to for you to react.
- Try not to swerve to avoid hitting a deer. A collision into oncoming traffic could be even worse.
- Only brake sharply and stop if there is no danger of being hit by following traffic. However, try to come to a stop as far away from the deer as possible to allow it/them to leave the roadside without panic, and use your hazard warning lights.
- After dark, use full-beams when there is no oncoming traffic, as this will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a roadway and give you more time to react. But dim your headlights when you see a deer or other animal on the road so you don’t startle it, and slow down.
- Report any deer vehicle collisions to the police. They can contact a local person who can best help with an injured deer or arrange removal of a carcass from the carriageway. Even if you’re uninjured and your car isn’t damaged, the deer may be fatally injured and suffering. Do not approach an injured deer yourself – it may be dangerous.
For more information on this campaign and how to stay safe on the roads, visit www.nature.scot