Deer are being killed in their thousands as their search for food takes them across the county's roads.
On average, one animal is killed each week around the A120 as they move from wood to wood and are hit by vehicles.
PC Barry Kaufmann-Wright, Essex Police wildlife officer, said fallow and muntjac deer migrate across the major route and are killed or injured by unsuspecting motorists.
He said: "It isn't a reportable offence unlike colliding with a dog, horse, sheep or pig so it is difficult to give actual figures.
"It has to be thousands across the county. But the British Deer Society is monitoring the number of deer killed in the county and it would help to report it to the police."
PC Kaufmann-Wright warned motorists to be on the lookout, particularly at night.
"Always be prepared, slow down if you see a deer and wait for the rest, particularly on the B184. They are like badgers and use regular routes."
Jon Jarrett, of road builders Balfour Beatty, said estimates show the deer population within a two-kilometre corridor of the new A120 is 650 animals.
Studies have shown the importance of introducing measures to stop the animals crossing the new road and deer fencing will run almost continually from the M11 past Takeley and Dunmow.
Published Thursday, April 10, 2003
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