THE number of people killed on Sussex’s roads increased last year.

There were 50 fatal road accidents in 2013, an increase on the previous year’s figure of 43 deaths.

West Sussex was one of the worst regions in the UK for fatal road accidents. 30 people died in road accidents last year, giving thecounty the eighth highest mortality rate out of 153 areassurveyed.

There were five more fatal accidents in West Sussex last year than in 2012 and 158 more accidents resulting in injuries, according to figures released by the Department for Transport yesterday.

Fatalities in East Sussex road accidents have risen from 13 in 2012 to 17 in 2013, and 30 more people were injured in 2013 than in 2012.

The county’s figures bucked the national trend, which showed that overall the number of road deaths fell by 2 per cent to 1,713 in 2013 – the lowest since records began.

James McLoughlin, from road safety charity Brake, said: “We believe even one death or injury on the road is too many, so it is concerning to see the number of people killed and injured on roads in Sussex has bucked the national trend and risen.

“It is also vital that the police and local councils prioritise road safety, so that we can hopefully see a reduction in the figures for Sussex next year.”

Figures for Brighton and Hove are more encouraging, as fatal road accidents in the city fell from five in 2012 to three in 2013.

Ian Davey, Brighton and Hove City Council’s lead member for transport, said: “The latest figures for Brighton and Hove are encouraging.

“They confirm that the council’s continued focus on speed management, the targeting of vulnerable road users and support for more sustainable travel is yielding results.

“We are particularly heartened that our collaborative efforts with Sussex Police and Sussex Safer Roads Partnership have led to significant reductions among high severity injury groups.

“However, we cannot be complacent and continued efforts across the authority’s service areas will enable us to keep saving lives, preventing serious injury, and making Brighton and Hove a much safer place to travel.”