This is the amount an engineering firm in Wiltshire will have to pay for every newt killed during its road building project in the county.

The great crested newt, a highly-endangered amphibian, is protected by both UK and European law.

Alfred McAlpine, the company behind the A350 Semington bypass, has also had to construct a newt-proof site to protect the creatures' habitat.

Developers are likely to a fine of up to �2,000 per newt, if they cause damage Mark Lang

A spokesperson for the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust told BBC News Online: "The development of the road must not be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of the species.

"Any damage to a newt or to their site, is an offence.

"They are amongst the most distinctive type," she added.

The newts, which grow up to six inches long, are endangered across much of Europe.

They remain abundant in Wiltshire but their habitat is under threat.

Material consideration

It is a criminal offence to kill, take, move or handle them without a licence.

"They are protected at European level as well as in the UK," said Mark Lang of the trust.

"Developers are likely to be fined up to �2,000 per newt, if they cause damage, so it is a material consideration for them.

"They have to apply for a licence from DEFRA.

"If there is a material breach of protection, the police can become involved and the file could be passed on to the Crown Prosecution Service."