POLICE say they are “continuously assessing” road safety in the wake of three crash deaths and a number of serious collisions this month in south Cumbria.

Calls are growing to address the safety of the road itself and perhaps create an alternative with a meeting being held by local MPs later this week to discuss the issue.

Crash deaths in August 2021:

- August 3: A cyclist in his 80s died following a collision with a van along the A590 near Levens.

- August 9: A man in his 40’s died after his Range Rover left the carriageway along the B5278 near Haverthwaite

- August 22: A 31-year-old died following a road traffic collision on the A595 at Whitbeck.

Drivers are being urged to use caution on the roads with increased traffic volume.

A Cumbria Police spokesman said: “Cumbria Police take the safety of road users incredibly seriously, with a dedicated roads policing unit who are strategically deployed across the country every day.

“We work closely with our partners, such as Highways England, to continually assess road safety. This partnership working has resulted in the recent reconfiguration of a junction near Newby Bridge.

“Additionally, patrols have continued to increase on the A590 this year, following the implementation of a new traffic base in Barrow.

“As well as being proactively deployed to the busiest roads across Cumbria, the unit regularly run proactive campaigns to encourage road users to drive responsibly.

“A recent campaign, which concluded last week, resulted in 76 drivers reported for traffic offences, 36 people reported to court for speeding and 54 drivers receiving a warning, over in a two week period.

“A campaign focused on drug and drink driving is currently in action.

“You can follow their dedicated social media account to gain further insight into the work they carry out on the counties roads.

“Speed camera vans are also deployed across the county daily to provide further speeding deterrence. However, with travel restrictions and staycations being promoted across the UK due to the pandemic, Cumbria has seen an increase of road users visiting the county.

“The increase in traffic provides increased opportunity for collisions to occur. Drivers, both local and visiting are therefore always reminded to drive to the conditions of the road in front of them, regardless of a speed limit.”