BASIL;DON and Southend are among Essex’s top three towns where drivers will most likely suffer an injury, government figures reveal.

The news emerged after stats released by the Department of Transport showed there were 532 casualties on Basildon roads and 502 in Southend last year.

Colchester weighed in with 514 casualties, but at the other end of the table Rochford incurred 168 casualties, and Castle Point 219.

Ralph Morgan, 72, a spokesman for the Basildon Hackney Carriage Association, said the town is notorious for its dangerous roads among taxi drivers.

He said: “We see accidents all the time, it’s considered a pretty high-risk area around here and the roads can get pretty hairy, especially with the number of mini roundabouts that are here.

Kevin Blake, deputy leader of Basildon Council, was surprised the figures weren’t higher, but added improved roads would help bring the figure down.

He added: “Of course, if roads were in better shape it would help reduce accidents but we’ve got to do the best we can with the little budget we have.

“The roads are in bad shape, I wouldn’t dare ride a motorbike on them.

“That figure shows too many people becoming injured, but to be honest I’m surprised it’s so low.”

Ron Woodley, leader of Southend Council added: “With Southend, it has to be remembered that we have six million visitors a year which brings sheer volume to the roads.

“We are looking to reduce speed limits but people need to drive responsibly to prevent accidents.”