The A140 at Long Stratton and the A1066 at Bressingham are the most dangerous stretches of road in South Norfolk, according to new figures revealing the location of every crash last year.

According to Department for Transport data, covering collisions reported to police during 2018, the number of accidents on roads in the south of the county rose from 257 in 2017 to 300 in 2018, the highest recorded for five years.

Of the 300 crashes, eight were fatal, 62 were serious and 230 were slight.

The A140 between Long Stratton, Tasburgh and Newton Flotman is one of Norfolk's most dangerous stretches of road, with 13 crashes reported to police in 2018 including two that led to fatalities.

Diss Mercury: Det Insp Chris Hinitt said they were working to educate drivers on the dangers of the roads. Picture: Antony KellyDet Insp Chris Hinitt said they were working to educate drivers on the dangers of the roads. Picture: Antony Kelly (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Diss teenager Shannon Gittings died in a crash at Tasburgh on October 3 last year, while ex-soldier and father-of-two Anthony Glover, 31, from Costessey, died following a crash at Stratton St Michael on New Year's Eve.

Work is currently nearing completion on the new £4.57m roundabout at the Hempnall crossroads, a notorious accident blackspot, that it is hoped will improve safety on this part of the A140.

Alison Thomas, county councillor for Long Stratton, whose division includes the Hempnall crossroads, said: "The case for an improvement at this junction was clear, as the accident record sadly speaks for itself."

Diss Mercury: Source: Department of TransportSource: Department of Transport (Image: Archant)

Elsewhere the A140 saw a further nine collisions, six between Long Stratton and the Scole bypass roundabout and three further north at Swainsthorpe.

Other roads with the most crashes included the A1066 at Bressingham where there were three serious accidents in 2018, including one on February 23 that involved four casualties; and one last October that saw a driver airlifted to hospital after a collision with a tractor.

The six other South Norfolk fatal crashes included motorcyclist Steven Mouncer, 54, who died after a collision with a car between Brockdish and Needham. Others occurred on the B1332 at Brooke and Woodton; on Loddon Road near Kirby Cane; and on Beccles Road at Aldeby.

Diss Mercury: Emergency services on the A1066 at Bressingham following a serious crash. Picture: Simon ParkinEmergency services on the A1066 at Bressingham following a serious crash. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

Detective Inspector Chris Hinitt, of Norfolk Police Roads and Armed Policing Team, said they worked with their partners to educate drivers on dangers of the roads.

"Drink or drug-driving, speeding, using mobile phones or not wearing a seatbelt are all big causes of collisions," he said. "Unfortunately, police officers end up dealing with the consequences of these factors and in some circumstances this can prove fatal."