The number of people killed or seriously injured on Kent's roads has plummeted.

Latest figures reveal serious crashes have been slashed by half in the county over the last 10 years.

Last year just 553 people were either killed or seriously injured in Kent - an all-time low.

That compares with the Kent annual average of 1,196 casualties recorded 10 years ago.

The provisional crash data shows there were 55 people killed and 498 seriously injured last year.

This means the government's 10-year national target of reducing casualties by 40 per cent has been bettered in Kent by a further 10 per cent.

It follows a major campaign by Kent County Council highways experts, police and Kent Fire and Rescue Service among others.

The Kent Highways Service has focused on speed, drink or drug use, wearing of seat belts and mobile phone use.

Young people in schools and adult drivers have been targeted, with awareness-raising campaigns.

Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Bryan Sweetland, said: "Each of the casualties is a tragedy for the victims and their families.

"In many cases they could be avoided. Motorists have got to be encouraged to take more responsibility for their own actions."