Kent has the highest number of children killed or injured on roads in the country, according to road safety charity, Brake.

A total of 681 children were hurt on Kent and Medway roads in one year- 273 more than the second highest region, Birmingham, with 408.

This comes after seven of the county's roads were ranked among some of the most dangerous in England.

On top of this, Kent and Medway saw a combined increase of 21% in child road casualties in two years, rising from 563 in 2015 to 681 in 2017.

These statistics are from the latest annual road casualties report by the Department of Transport.

Darren Povey began campaigning for people to take more care behind the wheel after his 13-year-old son, Dean, was hit by a drug driver last year.

He has now made a full recovery, but the accident had long-term effects on the family.

My Povey said: "It wasn't just Dean who had to go through mental anguish, but the whole family too.

"People don't realise the effect their actions have on others' lives."

As part of Dartford Safer Roads, Mr Povey is campaigning to reduce speed limits to 20mph outside schools and in residential areas, and for more speeding fines to be issued.

He added: "The problem is getting worse because there are more cars on the road every day and people are always in a rush.

"We need to increase awareness about the effects careless driving can have - people just think they can do what they want - they need to take more notice of what's going on."

Road safety charity, Brake is also pledging to reduce the number of child casualties.

Community engagement manager, Dave Nichols said: “Every child should be able to walk in their area without fear of traffic and pollution.

"Unfortunately, many kids are unable to do so because they don’t have access to simple measures such as footpaths, cycle paths and safe places to cross.

"Many more must contend with fast traffic and pollution from vehicle emissions.

"If we want children and their families to walk, we need to make sure their journeys are safe."

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