In 2003, 3,224 children were killed or seriously injured

Barnardo's and charity Transport 2000, which wants to reduce the volume of traffic, said the figures showed the need for more speed cameras.

They also said there should be reduced speed limits and more play areas so that children are not forced onto the streets.

Di McNeish, Barnardo's Head of Policy and Research said: "Children have a right to feel safe walking, cycling and playing in their own neighbourhoods.

"It's unacceptable that so many children are killed and injured on our roads, and that fear of dangerous roads is causing children to spend less and less time outside their homes.

NI CHILD ROAD ACCIDENTS 2002 Fatalities: 13 Serious injuries: 181 Slight injuries: 1,299

The report showed children felt speeding, selfish driving and busy roads were preventing them from walking, cycling and playing in their own areas and in extreme cases forcing them to stay indoors.

In 2003, 3,224 children aged up to 15 years were killed or seriously injured on the UK's roads - 268 children a month.

The charities are calling for all new housing developments to include play areas for children and an increase in funding for Home Zones.

They also want investment in driver education to make sure that motorists think before putting their foot down and more funding for traffic-calming in areas of high deprivation.