PLANS to reduce the number of deaths on our roads by a third in just four years have been revealed.

According to the Liverpool City Region (LCR) combined authority, the number of those killed or seriously injured in 2016 hit 599, and it’s hoped that by 2020, that figure will be fewer than 400.

At Thursday’s meeting of the LCR transport committee, an update to the authority’s road safety strategy will be discussed, as it continues a 'challenging long-term vision' to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads.

In 2017, following adoption of the road safety strategy, the figure fell to 557, and meant Merseyside Police was ranked 21st of 42 police force areas in England and Wales.

The work is being carried out by the Merseyside Road Safety Partnership through an 'evidence-led approach.'

Work so far has included focussed speed enforcement on busy roads like the Formby Bypass, campaigns about the dangers of driving the morning after drinking during last summer’s World Cup, and most recently, raising awareness of drug and drink driving over Christmas – stepping up patrols at 'hotspot areas.'

The report to be discussed by councillors said work currently revolves around the three ‘E’s: education, enforcement and engineering.

Campaigns so far have targeted 'particular areas of concern' including adult pedestrians aged 26-59, cyclists, motorcyclists and senior road users.

The report also said the aim of reducing the number to 400 by 2020 will be 'challenging', but added that the vision 'remains achievable.'

It said: “This is testament to the ongoing commitment of all partners to make our roads a safer environment for everyone, contributing to the successful growth of the Liverpool City Region.

“However, every death or serious injury on our roads is one too many and ultimately it must be our continued vision that there is zero loss of life and much reduced risk of injury on our roads.”