Road casualties rise in Midlothian – but still lower than before pandemic

More people were injured and killed on Midlothian's roads last year, new figures show, but casualty numbers remain lower than before the pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic saw road casualties drop across Great Britain as drivers stayed at home during lockdowns, but charities have warned the Government must do more tackle an uptick in injuries from traffic accidents.

Provisional figures from the Department for Transport suggest there were 143 road casualties in Midlothian in 2021 – a rise from 98 the year before, but fewer than the 151 in 2019.

More people were killed on the area's roads last year – two people died, while nobody was killed in 2020.

Stock photo. PA

Meanwhile, 25 serious injuries were recorded – an increase on the year before, when 21 people were badly hurt.

Across Great Britain there were 127,967 road casualties in 2021 – an 11 per cent rise on the year before – while 1,560 people were killed.

Of those who died, 686 were car users, but 363 pedestrians and 299 motorcyclists were also killed.