THE number of people killed last year on North Yorkshire roads was the lowest since records began.

Figures released this week showed 31 people died on the county’s roads in 2015, compared to 40 in 2014. The number of children seriously injured fell by 26 per cent to 20 in 2015, however the total number of child casualties increased by five per cent.

The number seriously injured on the roads increased by two per cent from 391 to 398, and the total number of casualties rose by three per cent.

Acting Chief Constable Tim Madgwick, Chair of the 95 Alive Road Safety Partnership, said the changes were likely to due medical treatment at the scene and in hospital, motorists driving at lower speeds, and more targeted safety measures at the scenes of previous incidents.

He said: “We believe the investment that we as a partnership make into providing drivers and all road users with information, training and timely reminders to help them avoid potential hazards and to expect the unexpected, is making a difference.”

The figures showed those killed in cars reduced from 18 in 2014 to 10 in 2015, and four cyclists died on the roads, compared to three in 2014 - but the number seriously injured reduced from 64 to 53.

The majority of crashes and injuries occurred on rural roads outside of towns and villages, where speed limits are 50 or 60mph, and the number of fatalities on these roads was lower by 31 per cent in 2015, but those seriously hurt increased by nine per cent to 298.

On average, the new figures showed every fortnight in North Yorkshire there is one death, 17 serious injuries and 73 slight injuries on the roads.