MOTORISTS are being urged to slow down on Cold Fell Road to ensure the safety of hundreds of lambs now being put out for graze.

Over the years, many sheep, cows and horses have been injured or killed along the 8.5-mile stretch of road which connects Ennerdale Bridge and Calderbridge. 

Around 18 farmers let their animals graze on Cold Fell and Cold Fell Action Group chairman Bob Jones says accident figures have dropped.

“Firstly, we would like to thank road users for slowing down,” he said. "However, we also want to ask them to be extra vigilant at this time of year. 

"Hundreds of lambs will be grazing on the land, and they are not road-savvy. There aren't any fences along the road so we just want motorists to be aware of the lambs wandering when they are at their highest risk.''

The speed limit on the road was reduced to 40 mph in 2011 following a lengthy campaign by the group.

Bob said: “So far the campaign has been successful and drivers are generally driving more responsibility. We want to remind them to keep up the good work. 

"The figures are lower but we’d like them to be even lower and for no animals to be hurt.”

Drivers who hit livestock are reminded they are required by law to report it to the police on 101.