THE number of injuries caused in accidents along a road has doubled since its street lights were switched off, new figures show.

The lights along the A416 Amersham Road in Chesham are to stay turned off following an energy saving trial by Buckinghamshire County Council.

In the three years prior to the 2008 turn-off four people were injured in three separate collisions along the road.

But figures reveal that during the three year-long trial, which ended in August 2011, that number increased to eight injuries in seven collisions. Three of the casualties were described as serious.

A report from Transport for Buckinghamshire said a lack of lighting was not believed to be a contributary factor in any of the collisions - but town councillors say they are "distressed" the lights will not be switched back on.

Patricia Cherrill said councillors would rather have the street lights turned back on again but were happy to suggest other ways of giving drivers greater visibility.

They are to consult with the Woodland Trust to see if cutting back some of the trees lining the road is a possibility.

Cllr Cherrill, who recently met Transport for Buckinghamshire officers to discuss the issue, said: "The county have said they are definitely not going to switch the lights on again - it's a case of mitigating the circumstances.

"The town council were very distressed to hear the lights weren't going to be switched on. Even on a summer's day it's very shaded by the trees.

"We want the footpath and pavement resurfaced. It's in a poor way.

"As you come down on the left, there's been a build up of debris and detritus - we want that removed. The road studs need cleaning as well."

The report into the trial said alcohol was a contributing factor to one of the collisions and another involved a vehicle turning from a private driveway.

It added that new lines making the edges of the roads clearer have been provided as a result of feedback from the trial.