Par
Gilles Rolland
Published on
Oct. 11 2024 at 5:04 p.m
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Wild boars, numerous in the region, come and go in the countryside around Toulousesometimes causing collisions with cars. There departmental road 4 is one of the most frequented sites, as proven by the numerous traces of their passage that farmers and walkers can regularly observe.
A first in Haute-Garonne
Two months after the Ariège hunters, who had opted for the same device on the D117, the Hunting Federation 31, accompanied by the three ACCAs of the municipalities concerned, installed several reflective stakes, on both sides of the road, over a total length of 1 .5 km, on the side of the Confluence reserve of Portet-sur-Garonne, at the gates of Lacroix-Falgarde. A device for the first time tested in Haute-Garonnewhich has already largely proven itself in other regions.
Reduced risk of accident
“We based ourselves on feedback from Ariège hunters,” explains Johan Roythe coordinator of the Environmental Service of the Haute-Garonne Departmental Federation of Hunters.
He continues: “Thanks to a thermal glasses device, they were able to verify that the wild boars reacted to the light from the stakes. They also installed signs to warn motorists and observed that they naturally slowed down as they approached the area. So, if the effect on the animal is sometimes mixed, depending on the individual or the species, the drivers slow down. THE accident risk is therefore significantly reduced. »
A proven device
The principle of reflective stakes? As simple as it is effective. Positioned to reflect the light of car headlights at night, without dazzling motorists, the stakes reflect the light towards the edges of the roadway. A light thus diverted intended to frighten or in any case to repel animals likely to cross.
A key place
The choice of this location was decided based on observations but also on the readings made possible by the GPS collars placed on the wild boars in order to follow their movements.
“We proposed the project to Departmental Councilwho was very interested. We did what was necessary to identify the most accident-prone sectors before stopping the pickets,” underlines Johan Roy.
A collaborative project
The installation mobilized volunteer hunters and employees of the Departmental Council, as Johan Roy explains: “we also wanted to create local action, emulation. This initiative was very well received. This problem is significant in the territory, and in particular in the Toulouse area, with sometimes dramatic consequences. If the Hunting Federation can help thanks to its network and its workforce, we are delighted to carry out such projects. »
€20 per reflective stake
Concerning the budget for such an operation, Johan Roy explains: “the installation of the reflective stakes was financed by the Green Fund. It takes €10,000 to cover a 5 km section of road, with a stake every 10 meters, or 500 stakes at €20 each. »
The Federation also plans to submit new requests from January 2025 in order to equip other sections of road, such as the D125towards Luchon and the RD 916which runs along L’Hers to Labège. So many places where wild boars often surprise motorists by crossing the road unexpectedly.
Enough to reassure motorists a few days before the time change as the days get shorter.
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