28/03/2022 (Agence Europe) – Nearly 19,800 people lost their lives on EU roads in 2021, said the European Commission on Monday 28 March. This represents an increase of 5% compared to 2020 (see EUROPE 12835/31) and a decrease of 13% compared to 2019, the pre-pandemic reference period. Across the whole of the EU, the last decade has seen a 36% drop in road deaths. “As traffic levels return to normal, we must ensure that we do not return to pre-pandemic figures for deaths on our roads”, said Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean. The European Commission has set a target of a 50% reduction in road deaths and injuries in the EU by 2030, with a view to achieving ‘zero deaths and zero serious injuries’ by 2050 (see EUROPE 12690/11). (TM)