AFTER 19 years on continuous reductions there has been a surge in fatal and serious road casualties in the Forest of Dean.
Coun Roy Birch, chairman of the Forest of Dean road safety liaison group, said this week that the figures for the first six months of the year were a "major concern."
The number of road deaths doubled from two to four while there were 29 serious injuries compared to 19 last year and 156 slight injuries compared to 140.
"Most of the accidents are caused by high or inappropriate speed, on occasions coupled with frustration and impatience," said Coun Birch.
The use of mobile phones was also a major factor.
"In the opinion of the police the use of mobile phones can reduce the most experienced driver to a novice," he said.
Urging great caution, Coun Birch said it was necessary for everyone to obey the rules of the road, show courtesy to others and not drive too far or too long without a rest.
"The primary cause in 86 per cent of the accidents was driver error," he said.