Essex: Increase In People Killed In Crashes

The number of people killed in crashes on roads in Essex has risen after a two-year drop.

Figures show that 48 people died in 46 collisions in 2012.

During 2011, 41 people were killed in 38 fatal crashes.

Road Policing Chief Inspector Rachel Nolan said: "The figures are disappointing and we can only hope our road safety messages hit home in 2013. These fatal crashes are needless.”

Chief Insp Nolan added: "The four main contributing factors being road crashes, whether they result in death or not, are failure to wear a seat belt, mobile telephone abuse, drink-driving or speeding. All road users must be aware of this. If all of these factors were cut out and motoring laws adhered to then people would not be injured or killed.”

In 2012, 3,600 people were injured in collisions with 670 of those being classed as serious.

The comparative 2011 figure stood at 4,000 people injured of which 745 casualties were classed as serious.

Chief Insp Nolan concluded: "We will continue to rigorously enforce offences relating to the four key road safety factors throughout the next 12 months.”