Motorists are being warned to steer clear of randy deer during the creatures’ annual mating season this month.

Highways England and The Deer Initiative have joined forces to warn people about the higher risk of collisions on the roads.

They estimate there are 74,000 deer-related crashes in the UK every year, resulting in up to 700 injuries to drivers and as many as 20 deaths.

The highest risk is from sunset to midnight and also shortly before and after sunrise when the creatures are more likely to be on the move.

Drivers are warned to watch their speed and be prepared to stop in heavily wooded areas such as at Challock on the A251 Faversham Road.

They should also be wary of the fact that other deer may follow a leader, and should dip headlights off full beam as the creatures might freeze on the spot.