THE number of people killed or seriously injured on Cambridgeshire s roads is at a record low, according to new figures. The number of fatal accidents in the county dropped by almost a quarter between 2007 and 2008, while the number of crashes involving s

THE number of people killed or seriously injured on Cambridgeshire's roads is at a record low, according to new figures.

The number of fatal accidents in the county dropped by almost a quarter between 2007 and 2008, while the number of crashes involving serious injuries was down by more than nine per cent. Provisional figures suggest there were 322 accidents involving fatal or serious injuries last year, a 12 per cent reduction on 2007.

Similarly, the number of people killed in road accidents has fallen from 62 to 47, a decrease of 24 per cent, while the number of people seriously injured has fallen by nearly nine per cent from 356 to 325.

Cambridgeshire County Council has invested heavily in road safety, with an extra �2million earmarked for maintenance and safety measures this year.

Money has already been spent improving major routes through the county, as well as on new warning signs and educational campaigns.

On top of the combined efforts of the county council and agencies such as the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership, it is believed that last year's increase in fuel prices could have played their part, encouraging people to make fewer journeys and to drive more economically.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Matt Bradney, cabinet member for transport, said: "Improving road safety and reducing the number of people killed or injured on our roads is a top priority for me and Cambridgeshire County Council. I have taken a personal hand in bringing forward much needed schemes and chair the road safety partnership to help make sure all partners are working closely together. This reduction is very encouraging and continuing this downward trend is a constant challenge. However, behind these statistics and percentages lie tragic stories. We will not rest on our laurels and we will continue to strive to find new ways to improve safety. I would like to ask all road users to do their bit, to treat each other with respect and drive, ride or walk with care on Cambridgeshire's roads.