In 2008, 39,000 people were killed on Europe’s roads, 15,400 less than in 2001, but still far from the target of 27,000 deaths the European Union set itself.

The UK, Sweden and the Netherlands remain the ‘safest’ European countries roadwise, behind Malta.

But, the EU recognised that the reduction in road deaths last year can be partly attributed to the reduced volume of traffic due to the recession and the high price of fuel.

“It is high time for the EU to come forward with a new road safety action programme for the next decade,” said European Transport Safety Council executive director Antonio Avenoso.

“New targets must be set for 2020 which will mobilise action at a joint European level, and more EU instruments, like structural funds for transport, should be used in order to further bring down deaths and disabilities on our roads.”