Gloucestershire roads see 61% increase in deaths

The number of deaths on Gloucestershire's roads has gone up, according to new figures.

Thirty-three people died in 2012, compared with 20 in 2011, up 61%.

Gloucestershire County Council, which released the figures, has had its road safety budget cut by £700,000 over the last 12 months.

Councillor Will Windsor-Smith said although the number of fatalities was up, the number of accidents was down.

He said "We take this very seriously but we are on a downward spiral [of accidents] over the years."

The council said there were 1,447 total road accidents in the county in 2012, compared with 1,575 in 2011.

Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl said despite cuts road safety education must continue.

He said: "The savings are tremendous but it doesn't compare to the pain and anguish of people who have lost loved ones or who have had life-changing injuries."