Road accidents on the UK's roads could be cut significantly if more freight was transported by rail instead of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) according to Norman Baker the Liberal Democrat transport spokesman.

Figures compiled by the Liberal Democrats showed that 31% of road accidents over the last five years in which people were killed or injured in the road accident involved HGVs.

Despite HGVs making up only 8% of traffic on motorways and A roads, they were involved in 40% of road accidents on the M20 over a five year period, and 35% on the M6, M25 and A14. The statistics show in 2006 356 people were injured in accidents involving HGVs on the M1, with a further 397 being hurt in accidents with lorries on the M25.

Mr. Baker said: "Instead of tackling the need for rail freight, the Government continues to plough money into road expansion."

Earlier this year a call for 60 tonne lorries to be allowed on the UK's roads was turned down by Ruth Kelly the Transport Minister. The 34 metre, 11 axle vehicles would cut carbon emissions by 30% according to the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and help reduce fuel costs for hauliers, but despite safety fears that Britain’s roads were not suitable to cope with them, the European Commission is reviewing whether they should be allowed on all European Union countries roads.