The council’s Road Safety Forum has welcomed the lower casualty numbers while continuing to urge all road users to take more care for themselves, for their loved ones and for others.

Chair of the Road Safety Forum Councillor Julia Marrs said: “These annual figures are an essential indicator to help us spot any areas of concern. Any reduction in numbers is welcome and to see lower statistics across the board for last year is very good news.

“However, despite all the effort we put into road safety, unfortunately numbers of accidents can fluctuate. We do not underestimate the effect any serious accident has on those most directly involved and the wider community.

“The analysis of the figures shows a wide range of causes for these incidents on our local roads but  by far the single most common factor is driver, or rider, error. This should remind drivers of their responsibilities.”

The total number of recorded casualties within South Lanarkshire is 231, the lowest figure on record.