North East worst for road safety

THE NORTH EAST of England has the worst rates for deaths and serious injuries on England’s roads according to data from the Department for Transport.

In 2012, the number of deaths and serious injuries in the North East increased by 8%, with an extra 65 incidents recorded compared to 854 in 2011.

The South East of England, which suffered some of the worst statistics in 2011, is now the most improved region. It has reduced deaths and serious injuries on its roads by 8% overall, though there was an increase in the number of incidents in London.

Commenting on the figures, the Institute of Advanced Motorists’ Chief Executive, Simon Best, said: "Drivers across England should not be at higher risk just because of where they live. Additional funding should be available to those areas with greater road safety problems. What we need is a national road safety body with full responsibility for monitoring progress and bringing together best practice so that that everyone benefits equally from safer roads."

By Press Association reporters