TRAFFIC police are mounting a special campaign after an alarming rise in the number of deaths on the roads of East Hampshire.

In a shocking report, Hampshire traffic police reveal that the number of fatal crashes in the East and Central Hampshire area has more than tripled this year, with 18 people losing their lives on the roads up to September, compared with five in 2001.

Police are so concerned about the figures that a special officer has been appointed to analyse the serious and fatal crashes and pinpoint areas where action could be taken to reduce accidents.

Sergeant Kory Thorne is the new Casualty Reduction Officer who has been in post for just five weeks.

He told The Herald this week: ÒThere has been a marked increase in the number of fatal collisions in the Central Hampshire area and although these are being analysed we havenÕt been able to identify any trends.Ó

The main problem in the East Hampshire area is the A325, which runs from Greatham, through Whitehill and Bordon to Farnham, said Sgt Thorne.

This was already a recognised casualty route, he said.

But last year there were a series of fatal accidents on roads not regarded as problem areas.

They included a horrific weekend in July when two motorists died on July 8 in the Petersfield area. A woman died on the A32 and as a result of the diversion, a man died later that day on the C18.

The following day an elderly man ran over and killed his wife in a tragic accident at Alton.

On July 19 tragedy struck again when two youngsters were killed in a crash at Bordon. And on August 4 a motorcyclist died in a single vehicle crash at Privett. Earlier in the year there was a fatal crash on the A3 at Clanfield.

Sgt Thorne said that in more than a third of the 60 fatal collisions throughout Hampshire, speeding was a major factor in crashes that cost someoneÕs life.

ÒIn addition this year there has been an increase in the number of collisions caused by drivers impaired through drink or drugs,Ó said Sgt Thorne.

Last year one person died and 33 were seriously injured in drink or drug-related crashes. This year the number has risen to three deaths and 42 serious injuries.

As part of its campaign to cut the number of road deaths and injuries, police are running a number of initiatives.

The Safety Camera Partnership will soon be installing fixed cameras on those routes that have the worst record of casualties.

These fixed cameras will be complemented by the forceÕs mobile speed enforcement laser cameras that are already in use across the area.

Police are also desperate to cut the number of motorcycle accidents on HampshireÕs roads.

Sgt Thorne said that 14 per cent of the people who died this year on the countyÕs roads were motorcycle riders.

There are also drink-drive campaigns planned, along with an initiative aimed at ensuring that drivers are prepared for winter driving.

Sgt Thorne warned: ÒIt is vitally important that everyone using the roads takes care when they do so for the benefit of themselves and others.Ó

He said they should check their vehicles and pay attention to road conditions and the weather: ÒToo many families have already suffered the terrible heartache of losing a loved one this year because of a road traffic incident that could have been avoided.

ÒMake sure that your family is not the next to go through this ordeal.Ó