MOTORISTS crossing the commons of Minchinhampton and Rodborough are still not getting the message to take care with cattle around.

So says Gloucestershire County Council after installing new reflective speed signs at the entrances to the commons to keep drivers alert to the limit as the nights get darker.

The council said: "Motorists on the common are still not getting the message. Since May this year there have been three serious accidents involving cattle on Rodborough and Minchinhampton commons.

"In an attempt to reinforce warnings that cattle are present and motorists should reduce their speed new signs are being placed at the entrances of the commons." One cow has been killed this year and two injured - all after dark.

Commons hayward Mark Dawkins acknowledged those motorists "unfortunate enough" not to see the animal because of their dark colour or the lights of oncoming cars but said: "It is nevertheless true that reducing speed will greatly increase the chances of being able to stop in time."

Stan Waddington, Minchinhampton county councillor, said: "The cattle on the commons are not just ornamental they represent people's livelihoods and without the grazing the commons will revert to scrubland.

"I would urge motorists to remember this and reduce their speed, especially now the nights are drawing in."

Sgt Chris Rawlings, of Cotswold and Stroud road policing unit, said: "Our message to drivers is clear - regard darkness as a hazard and always drive at a speed you can stop in the distance that you can see to be clear."

Nearly 200 cattle were released onto Rodborough Common and 300 cows and 12 horses onto Minchinhampton common.