COWS wandering the roads in Minchinhampton, Selsley and Rodborough have been given an extra measure of protection thanks to Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

Around 500 local cattle appear on the commons from May 13, grazing the land and roaming freely over and along the roads.

After the deaths of five cows last year the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, in conjunction with the owners of the cattle, decided to test out reflective collars for cows, ponies and the single donkey that call the common home.

The Police and Crime Commissioner’s office explained that there would be a trial of 60 collars, 30 each of two types, with a view to having 250 collars for the herd when the trial was over.

The collars cost around £10 each but the commissioner’s assistant Paul Francis explained that if they prevented crashes the £2,500 price tag would be more than worth it.

Mr Surl added: “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”

Farmer Bill Powell, whose cattle are released onto the commons every year, said: “It seems odd to some people to see cattle on unfenced properties, but grazing is the best way to keep the commons in good condition for everyone's benefit.

“This year we’ll be using reflective collars on some of the cattle to try and make them obvious during the hours of darkness. We’ve tried various schemes to keep cattle safe and alert drivers over the years and will continue to work with the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership in the interests of everyone's safety."