Fatalities drop on county's roads

The number of deaths on the roads in Cumbria has fallen, provisional figures have revealed.

Safer Roads for Cumbria said there were 30 fatalities in 2008, compared with 45 in 2007 and 59 in 2006. Figures have been falling since 2003.

In common with previous years, the majority of people killed were local - 25 were county residents.

The number of casualties was also down, with 238 serious injuries, compared with 274 the previous year.

Safer Roads for Cumbria is a partnership between organisations including the emergency services, the county council and the Highways Agency.

Safety co-ordinator, Chris Broadbent, said: "Although these figures are provisional and may change slightly when audited by the Department for Transport, they represent a major achievement in the county's attempts to reduce the tragedy of road fatalities and highlight what can be achieved by strong partnership working.

"There is, however, no room for complacency.

"These figures demonstrate that Cumbria's activities are paying dividends, but we must build on what is becoming a positive and dynamic approach involving a broad spectrum of organisations."