FRESH attempts to keep deer away from traffic in Epping Forest are under way after crashes involving the animals trebled since 2006.

The Corporation of London, which manages the Forest, is clearing shrubs and undergrowth from verges on two roads to help deer and drivers see one another much earlier.

Epping Forest Keepers attended 63 crashes involving deer in 2010, which is a three-fold rise on 2006, according to expert Dr Jochen Langbein.

Head keeper Keith French said: “Clearly any measures to reduce vehicle numbers and speeds will also help to reduce deer vehicle collisions.

“The verge clearance in this particular area of Epping Forest will help motorists to see the deer and the deer to see the vehicles.

“These measures, together with a programme of raised awareness and improved signage, should help reduce these unfortunate deer fatalities on Epping Forest roads.”

Work is being carried out in Thornwood Road (B1393) and Epping Road (B181), which have been identified as hotspots for these crashes.

The Corporation said earlier attempts at reducing accidents, such as reflective posts by the roadside, had been ineffective.