Royal Mail driver caught on dashcam swerving past a pony in New Forest

Dashcam footage has been posted online of a Royal Mail van showing the driver swerving past a pony after overtaking a driver in front who slowed down to give the animal enough space. 

The delivery driver was captured on Tuesday, November 8 driving through Minstead, New Forest by a member of New Forest Commoners Defence Association.

They shared the footage and posted a message reminding people to who drive through the New Forest to drive to the conditions remembering to pass animals wide and slow and be prepared to stop. 

A Royal Mail spokesperson said they were "very disappointed" to see the video which was posted on Facebook by the New Forest Commoners Defence Association.

The delivery company have launched an investigation into the incident. 

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We were very disappointed to view this video, and are investigating what happened.

"Once our investigation has concluded, we will be taking appropriate action internally.

It is not clear from the video how close to the horse our vehicle was, and we are pleased that this animal was not harmed or disturbed in any way.

The safety of our drivers and other road users is a high priority for Royal Mail, and this includes our responsibilities under the New Forest Code.

READ MORE: Plea for drivers to protect animals on New Forest roads

We regularly instruct our drivers that animals in the New Forest are free to roam and have right of way, and we will be reinforcing that message to colleagues locally now.”

Angry viewers of the video posted comments on the video, and one person said: "Something needs to be done as some drivers of cars and lorries just don't care about the ponies or respect the fact they are driving in the Forest."

Another commenter said: "Did he not think the car had stopped for a reason, what an Idiot to then overtake."

Another said: "Bloody disgusting. Royal Mail should sack the driver."