THE number of people killed or seriously injured on Cheshire’s roads has reduced by 38 per cent in five years.

There were 273 crashes in 2019 where someone involved was killed or seriously injured across the county, compared to 440 in 2015.

David Keane, Cheshire's police and crime commissioner, says this is down to preventative measures from Cheshire Police and its partners.

However, he says we cannot become complacent, particularly following a rise in serious and fatal incidents among cyclists and child pedestrians.

Mr Keane said: "Road safety has been a priority set out in my police and crime plan since 2016 so it’s good to see that less people are losing their lives or becoming seriously injured in road traffic collisions in Cheshire than they were five years ago.

"However, one death on Cheshire’s roads is too many and it’s particularly concerning to see an increase in serious and fatal incidents involving cyclists and children.

“More people have taken up cycling during this year’s lockdowns so it’s more important than ever that we encourage both motorists and cyclists to safely share our roads."

Mr Keane is advocating the use of a 'close pass' scheme in Cheshire to protect cyclists, while he has plans to put in place average speed cameras on high collision routes.

He discussed the issue at a public meeting with Chief Constable Darren Martland following concerns raised by residents about speeding and vehicles dangerously overtaking cyclists.

Chf Insp Rob Dickinson, of Cheshire Police's roads and crime unit, added: “We have been, and will continue the work in making Cheshire’s roads safer for every road user.

"I am absolutely delighted to see the significant reduction in the number of people being killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads and I want to assure our communities our efforts will continue, as we know there is still more to do.

“We will continue to target those committing one of the fatal five offences – careless driving, speeding, drink/drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt and driving while using a mobile phone – and we will continue to work with our partners and the public in the education of the potential consequences of their actions.

"Everyone has the right to use the roads safely.”

The number of crashes causing slight injury or damage also fell from 1,883 in 2015 to 1,461 in 2019.

A total of 35 people died on Cheshire's roads last year, compared to 38 in 2015.