THE number of people killed in road collisions in the county this year is almost 50 per cent up on last year. Since the start of the year 51 people have been killed in collisions, compared to 35 people for the same period in 2006. Of those killed in colli

THE number of people killed in road collisions in the county this year is almost 50 per cent up on last year.

Since the start of the year 51 people have been killed in collisions, compared to 35 people for the same period in 2006. Of those killed in collisions this year, 10 have been motorcyclists, accounting for over 20 per cent of the fatalities.

Cambridgeshire police are urging people to review their driving standards as they work to reduce the number of people seriously injured and killed in collisions.

Pc Tony Barrios, casualty reduction officer, said: "This huge increase in fatalities is extremely alarming. The vast majority of collisions are caused by driver error.

"There are still some motorists speeding, using mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts. These drivers are risking their own lives and the lives of others. Concentration and anticipation are the qualities of good driving."

Police will be out in force on the county's roads to combat the problem. Officers will be carrying out regular speed enforcement operations, and issuing tickets for offences such as failing to wear a seatbelt.

Pc Barrios added: "Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other motorists, which is why it is so important they stay alert and aware at all times.

"This is not about questioning the skills of motorcyclists because the majority of riders are riding safely, however, one small mistake could prove fatal.

"It's vital that other motorists remain focused and aware of motorcyclists, through using their mirrors regularly and ensuring they do not make any sudden movements when driving along a road.