LOWEST FATALITIES THIS EASTER SINCE RECORDS BEGAN

39 people were killed on Spanish roads this Easter, the first time the figure has fallen below 40 since records began.

There were 36 fatal accidents during Semana Santa, a 11.37% reduction on the number last year when 44 people lost their lives. It marks a dramatic decrease in fatalities when the number was regularly reaching more than 100 for that period until 2008 when numbers began to fall and the figure a decade ago was 139.

The Interior Minister, Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, said that there have also been fewer serious injuries this year – more than 500 less than there were in 2001.

However, there was also slightly less traffic on the roads which could account for the fall, with 14.2 million vehicles on the roads between 3pm on Friday April 15th and midnight Monday 18th. It's 150,000 less than was expected, with the main factor being seen as the heavy rainfall which affected much of the country.

Rubalcaba also said it was impossible to say if the new reduced speed limit of 110kph on motorways played a part in reducing the number of road fatalities this Easter. The measure was brought in to save fuel and is due to be in place until June 30, when it is reported that the government will make a decision on whether it should be extended.

Almeria roads boasted having no fatal accidents during Easter and also reduced the number of accidents by half. There were eleven accidents resulting in seven serious injuries and 18 minor. In the province there were around 700,000 recorded movements.