Almost all of the cattle on two Gloucestershire commons are hit by a car at least once in their lifetime, according to residents.

Every year, many of the cows on Minchinhampton and Rodborough commons are found to have been injured during the summer and have to be killed, writes Carmelo Garcia, Local Democracy Reporter.

Philippa Schwartz is among the residents calling on Gloucestershire County Council to allow traffic calming measures to be introduced on the roads that cut through the commons.

She spoke of the issue and asked questions of council leaders at a meeting at Shire Hall earlier this month.

“Each year, when cows come off the common many have sustained injuries during the summer that mean they need to be euthanised,” she told the council meeting.

“These cattle are not there for the convenience of the farmers, they are there to help keep the commons beautiful, without them it would return to scrub.

“Furthermore, Rodborough Parish Council has been counting all road traffic accidents in their parish for several years.”

She explained that the number of fatal accidents has reduced over the years thanks to a “huge volunteer effort”.

“We have not had the terrible scenes of cows dying painfully and distressingly by the side of the road, but almost all of the cattle on the commons are hit by vehicles at least once during the course of their lives,” she added.

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She asked if traffic calming measures would be acceptable on the commons should residents be able to raise the money to fund them.

Fire, community safety and libraries cabinet member Dave Norman (C, Grange and Kingsway) said he made a commitment that he would meet residents on the common to discuss the issue in the new year.

“I will discuss with officers what you made reference to in your supplementary question but at the moment I am committed to meet with you and I look forward to that meeting,” he said.