DEATH or serious injury caused by unlawful driving offences in Greater Manchester shot up by more than two thirds, figures have revealed.

Data released by the Home Office found there were 69 offences of this nature in the region in the year up to September 2020, 68 per cent higher than the 12 months before.

The statistics come following a month-long crackdown in Bolton either side of Christmas, Operation Portman, in which 564 drivers were reported for allegedly committing a range of offences.

The operation was launched Thursday, December 3 in response to concerns over the number of serious road incidents in the borough last year.

Enforcement work has been incorporated into neighbourhood policing in Bolton with residents urged to share concerns they have about roads.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is continuing to treat driving offences as a priority.

Inspector Steve Bryant of GMP's Safer Transport Team said: "Deaths on our roads are tragic and many accidents can be avoidable by driving carefully to the conditions on the road, and following the laws that are in place to protect us all.

"Collisions are often the result of speeding or being distracted at the wheel – even a moment’s lapse of attention can cause an accident.

"We'd like to urge our communities to stay alert and think ahead.

"Lives can be wrecked in an instant and the consequences last a lifetime.

"We also need the public's help to help us keep our roads safe and to report any offences they might see.

"If you have any concerns whilst out on the roads then please report them to us via the dedicated link on our website https://www.gmp.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-b/report-a-road-traffic-incident/ or by calling 101.

"Always dial 999 in an emergency.

"Thank you to the large majority of motorists that drive carefully, consider other road users and do not commit offences.

"You are helping to make our roads safer for everyone."