A 'better driver culture' is needed to keep all motorists saffe on the roads, Suffolk's police and crime commissioner has said.

In his latest column for The Journal, Tim Passmore said dealing with road safety issues was one of the biggest parts of his job and that: 'Roads are the lifeblood of our economy.'

He outlined proposals in his police and crime plann to make Suffolk's roads safer, which include increasing the fleet of policing vehicles and having a full review of roads policing in the north of the county.

But he added: 'Road safety is not the sole responsibility of the constabulary.

'As drivers we all need to take responsibility for our actions, as the majority of collisions are caused by poor driving.'

In particular he highlighted the 'fatal four' of speeding, drunk driving, not using seat belts and mobile phone use, adding that: 'Whilst it is extremely gratifying that the numbers of killed and seriously injured road casualties has reduced by two thirds from 715 in 1991 to 241 in 2014...We need to remember every serious or fatal collision represents a personal tragedy for the individual, their families and friends.

'We must foster a much better driver culture so we are all kept safer on the roads.

'Stiffer penalties are needed to stop the mindless idiots who think they have the right to drive at high speeds and those caught operating lap-tops or reading newspapers whilst driving.

'We need to make sure this behaviour becomes as socially unacceptable as drink driving.'

He added: 'Please remember speed limits are there for a reason and should be observed and there is no excuse for using a mobile phone when driving. Sometimes we forget that driving any vehicle or motorcycle means you are in charge of a potentially lethal weapon.

'Let's all try to ensure that all of us who drive have a responsibility to drive carefully on our roads and maintain Suffolk's reputation as one of the safest areas to travel in.