New Forest National Park (UK) Speed Limits & Cycling Rules

Vehicle Speed Limits

• 20 mph (32 km/h): All car parks
• 40 mph (64 km/h): Most public roads within the park
• 60 mph (97 km/h): B3078 near Brockenhurst
• 70 mph (113 km/h): M27 motorway (Junctions 1 & 3 only; not within park per se)

Animal Safety Speeds (Advisory)

• 15–20 mph when passing ponies, cattle, horses, or other livestock on or near road
• Animals have right of way; they are unfenced and unpredictable

Cycling Rules & Advice

• Lights mandatory after dark (white front, red rear)
• Use designated cycle tracks where provided (extensive network)
• Gravel tracks: Can be slippery; reduce speed, wider tires recommended
• Yield to pedestrians and oncoming vehicles on shared paths
• Low speed in villages & car parks (courtesy & safety)
• Obey all traffic signs & speed limits on roads
• Extra caution in low visibility (fog, rain, dusk)

Unique Context

The New Forest is a working landscape with ~5,000 free-roaming ponies, cattle, donkeys, and pigs (pannage season). Drivers and cyclists share narrow, unfenced roads with livestock — animal welfare and human safety depend on low speeds and awareness.