More people have died this year than in the whole of 2005

There have been 55 people killed on the region's roads so far this year, overtaking 2005's total.

Moray SNP MSP Richard Lochhead asked what could be done to ease the spate of fatal crashes in the area as many of his constituents had been affected.

Johann Lamont, the new deputy justice minister, said that the issue was being taken seriously.

I would hope that the minister is willing to look into the situation in order to reverse this worrying trend Richard Lochhead Moray MSP

The total number of road deaths for the region in 2005 was 53.

Mr Lochhead said: "It is very worrying indeed when we have a situation where the number of deaths in road traffic accidents across Grampian has already overtaken the total for last year.

"Many families are grieving the loss of loved ones as a result. It is vital that ministers in the Scottish Parliament recognise the need to review what can be done to cut the number of deaths on our roads.

"I would hope that the minister is willing to look into the situation in order to reverse this worrying trend."

He stressed the need for Grampian Police and Grampian Fire and Rescue Service having the appropriate resources to cope.

The deputy justice minister replied: "All of these areas are taken seriously."

Mr Lochhead's Moray constituency lost three young people earlier this month when Sam Crouchley, 18, Rebecca Dick, 15, and Amy Jaffray, also 15, died on the A95 Keith to Banff road.

He met with members of the emergency services earlier this week to discuss how to tackle the increasing death toll.