School safety projects, speed cameras and measures to reduce biker deaths are all facing cuts.

The 43% reductions to the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership could lead to more serious accidents, according to council officers and road safety campaigners.

The partnership has admitted the £1.4 million cuts to its £3.3 million budget for 2010/11 may not be the end and no assurances have been made for next year.

Among the casualties are plans to put flashing speed signs and crossings close to schools in Brighton and Hove.

The £23,000 budget for the work has been scrapped completely.

Covert police motorbikes, aimed at reducing motorcyclist deaths, also face a 90% funding drop.

This is despite the deaths of 20 motorcyclists on Sussex roads so far this year, compared to 12 in the whole of 2009.

Plans to spend more than £400,000 on new speed cameras have been abandoned, while maintenance costs on existing cameras have been cut by 20%.

Other victims include schemes to train children to cross the road and ride their bikes safely, as well assessment of driving instructors and the Pass Plus scheme – all of which lose more than 50% of their budget.

A report to be presented to Brighton and Hove City Council today from road safety manager, Phil Clarke, said: “The savings of the latest round of cuts will compound the already significant impact on road safety being promoted by the partnership.

“It should be noted that any reduction in camera activity, including the long term effect of maintenance cuts, could lead to an increase in vehicle speeds, which in turn could lead to more serious injuries to road casualties.

“Education is as important as enforcement and any further reduction in the current budget would mean a severe impact on delivery of schemes which are targeting key priority groups, regarded as the most vulnerable.”

Neil Hopkins, communications manager at the partnership, said: “Working within these financial constraints will be extremely challenging for this year and beyond.”

A scrutiny panel meeting will be held at Hove Town Hall today at 2.30pm.