South Tyneside had the safest record

The study found that for every 100,000 people in Westminster in 2003/4, 176 were killed or seriously injured and 1,114 were slightly hurt.

South Tyneside had the safest record, with 24 people in every 100,000 involved in fatal or serious accidents.

North Yorkshire ranked second most dangerous in the study by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Warwickshire and Lincolnshire were also named in the worst five areas.

FIVE WORST AREAS Westminster North Yorkshire Camden (London) Warwickshire Lincolnshire

Meanwhile Leicester, Knowsley, Oldham and Torbay were revealed as being among the safest places in England.

The CSP called on local authorities to give road safety top priority, especially as British Summer Time comes to an end this weekend.

Chief Executive Phil Gray said: "There is often a surge in accidents just after the clocks go back, as people adjust to driving home from work in the dark.

"Local councils can do more to promote road safety - better lighting, traffic calming and good highway maintenance are all important in reducing the number of people injured or killed on the roads."