Deaths on UK roads fall to all-time low

Published on Thursday 26 June 2008 14:08

THE number of people killed on British roads last year fell to the lowest level since records began, it was announced today.

Child deaths, which were down 20 per cent in 2007, were also at a record low, the Department for Transport statistics showed.

Total fatalities in 2007 were 2943 – seven per cent lower than in 2006, with deaths and serious injuries down in all categories of road user except motorcyclists.

There were also fewer road accidents involving personal injury last year.

The number of deaths among car users in 2007 was 1431 – 11 per cent down on 2006. The number seriously injured fell by nine per cent to 11,536.

Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "These figures are extremely encouraging.

"But the figures make us determined to do even more. Far too many people are still dying and we will continue to do everything we can to improve road safety and further reduce the numbers of people killed or injured."