The number of pedestrians and motorcyclists killed or seriously injured after accidents on Merton roads has halved, new figures show – although the figure for car crash victims has risen.

The Government statistics show that from 2009 to 2010 the number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured (KSI) in the borough fell from 20 to 11 – while the total of motorcyclists KSI fell from 17 to eight.

But the figures, released last week, also reveal KSIs of car drivers and passengers climbed from seven to 13 – while the figure for cyclists remained at seven.

The Department for Transport statistics showed a total of 39 deaths or serious injuries last year, compared to 55 the year before.

But minor injuries fell by just one – from 420 to 419.

Councillor Andrew Judge, Merton Council’s cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said the overall decline was partly down to safety measure’s introduced on the borough’s roads – as well as education, training and publicity programmes run in partnership with schools and the police.

He added: “We are proud to have one of the lowest accident figures in London and are committed to making our roads safe for people of all ages.”

What do you think? Do the roads seem safer or more dangerous in recent years? Leave a comment below, call 020 8722 6336 or email: cburnett@london.newsquest.co.uk.