Police are urging Suffolk motorists to be careful over the Christmas and New Year period after an increase in deaths on the county’s roads this year compared with 2021. 

During 2022, the EADT reported on 23 deaths in Suffolk, compared to 20 last year, although these were not all related to traffic offences. 

However, Sergeant Julian Ditcham, from the force’s Roads and Armed Policing Team, urged drivers not to commit any of the "fatal four": speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt or using a mobile phone while driving. 

He said these offences increased the likelihood of "serious and fatal collisions" and said any fatality on Suffolk’s roads was a "tragedy". 

“At this time of year, we particularly remind road users of the dangers of drink and drug driving. 

“At the start of the month, we launched our Christmas campaign which involves targeted enforcement and increased messaging in order to make motorists aware of the risks and the consequences. 

“If you are going out make sure you have a lift or a taxi organised and be aware that you may still have alcohol in your system the next morning,” Sgt Ditcham said. 

He revealed that between December 1 and 12, more than 50 people had been arrested for drink and drug driving offences, while 300 drivers had been breath-tested as part of the annual Christmas drink drive campaign, which runs until January 1. 

He said: “Having seen the devastating consequences of drink and drug-driving collisions, these figures are incredibly disappointing.” 

He urged drivers to take "simple steps" to reduce the number of serious and fatal collisions, particularly by concentrating on their driving and being aware of other motorists and their surroundings. 

“I know the loved ones of those lost, and the officers who respond to these incidents, feel the impact of these devastating incidents,” Sgt Ditcham said. 

June saw the most deaths with four fatal crashes, including a woman in her 20s being killed in a crash in north Suffolk and a woman in her 70s in a serious crash at Hadleigh.

During the summer period, there were 10 fatalities, including in a serious crash in Newmarket and a pedestrian being killed in an accident on the A14 at Coddenham. 

The most recent fatal crash was on November 28 at Wetheringsett when a Ford Galaxy overturned.