The toads make the journey each year

Thousands of amorous amphibians will be making their yearly migration to breeding grounds at Doxey Marches over the next few weeks.

Now Stafford Borough Council is putting up temporary "toad signs" along the Eccleshall Road, in an effort to prevent romance turning to tragedy.

The warnings are also aimed at pedestrians, who are being asked to take care not to squash the toads underfoot.

Basic instinct

Paul Shires, a community biodiversity officer, said the toads act on a basic instinct.

"The toads instinctively follow ancient migratory routes, many of which now cross busy roads, towns and gardens."

"The signs are going up to ask people to drive with extra care along the Eccleshall Road and watch where they tread if they are walking along the footpaths."

Locals are being warned that frogs and newts will be making similar journeys shortly after the toad mating season ends.