FORTY-six people died on the roads last year in West Mercia, according to the latest police figures.

The data was released as part of a major national campaign designed to tackle the UK’s road death endemic.

West Mercia saw 46 deaths and 486 people seriously injured throughout 2021, some with life-changing injuries.

In comparison to 2020, 31 were killed 349 were seriously injured, and 2019 saw 36 killed and 420 seriously injured.

The RoadPeace Andy Cox Challenge 2022 will kick off this week, bringing together police, victims’ families and celebrities.

The RoadPeace Andy Cox Challenge 2022, the first event of its kind, seeks to emphasise the message that five people die and more than 60 are seriously injured, on average, every single day on the UK’s roads. 

West Mercia Police will be supporting the campaign with a spin bike challenge for staff and officers at 3 police sites across West Mercia during 16-22 May; Shrewsbury, Hereford and Worcester.

Chief Officers, PCC John Campion, serving officers and staff have already signed up to the challenge, along with Chief Officers from Hereford Fire & Rescue Service.

The aim will be to cover the same mileage as the circumference of West Mercia (495 miles).

RoadPeace supporter Ciara Lee, whose husband Eddy was killed in 2018 after a van driver ploughed into his motorcycle, said: “Two groups that know the cruelty and devastation caused by road crime are the bereaved and the police.

"Both witness in horrendous detail the unnecessary damage caused, particularly to innocent lives taken prematurely.

“This event is hugely significant, with police forces and impacted families uniting. It sends a very clear message that both groups have had enough of needless tragedy and are determined to save lives in the future.”

The campaign will take place between May 16-22 and will be supported by around half of the UK’s police forces, with each Force choosing its own challenge for the week.

The event will raise vital funds for RoadPeace, the road victims’ charity, and aims to get the public talking about road deaths and the devastation they cause to families and communities every day.

You can visit the JustGiving page set up for the RoadPeace Andy Cox Challenge 2022, here.