Following the publication of the latest road casualty statistics, the Liberal Democrats have highlighted worrying confusion within the Department for Transport surrounding cycling casualties.

The last annual casualty statistics, published in May, stated that the number of pedal cyclists killed rose by 10 per cent to 148 in 2005. However, a recent Parliamentary Answer has indicated that there were actually a total of 283 cyclist deaths in 2005.

Liberal Democrat Transport Spokerperson, Paul Rowen MP said:

"There has been a worrying rise in the number of deaths and serious injuries for cyclists in the last year. This rise may be down to an increase in the number of cyclists on our roads. However, the Government should take a close look at the reasons behind it.

"This recent confusion over the actual level of casualties is very worrying. If the figures provided to the Liberal Democrats are correct it would mean twice as many cyclists are being killed or seriously injured than are being reported in the official figures released today. The Transport Secretary must clarify these figures urgently."