DEATHS and serious injuries on Poole’s roads are increasing, with 37 people killed or badly hurt over just six months.

The figure from January to June last year, is one of the key performance indicators monitored by Borough of Poole, and is far higher than the council’s target figure of 24.

It is also up 23 per cent on the mid-year figure in 2013, and reflects a continued rise since over the past three years from 2011 when 54 people were killed or seriously injured on the borough’s roads, to last year when that number was up to 68 people.

Cllr Mike Brooke expressed concern about the figures when they went before cabinet and members unanimously agreed to review performance and the issues.

The report’s author Martin Baker, road safety manager, reflected on the national picture which shows road deaths are up three per cent per year from April to June last year, compared with the same period in 2013, and a four per cent rise in the number of people killed or seriously injured in that time.

He adds that while “three months’ worth of data is definitely not indicative of long term trend – there appears to be legitimate cause for concern”.

Julian McLaughlin, head of transportation services, Borough of Poole, said: “We are working hard to improve road safety in Poole. Our work focuses around enforcement, engineering and education.

“While Dorset Police take the lead on enforcement, we have a number of engineering schemes to deliver casualty reduction, including School Zones, cycling, walking and traffic signals.

“Our current road safety programme includes the introduction of 20mph zones in residential areas. We have also raised awareness on road safety issues to target a wide range of groups. We hope this will increase awareness of the importance of taking care and remaining vigilant on the roads. We would advise motorists to drive carefully and safely in line with the Highway Code. This is particularly important during winter periods when it is vital they maintain their vehicles to ensure it is safe for all road conditions.

“We hope that all of these measures combined will help us achieve our aims and reduce the number of casualties on our roads.”