Church services are being held across the UK on Sunday to remember victims of road crashes.

The services are taking place as part of the UN World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, held each year on the third Sunday of November.

RoadPeace, a charity that supports victims of road crashes, said that there was little to celebrate, despite record low numbers of road deaths in the UK in 2007. More than 3,500 people are killed in road crashes around the world each day and road deaths are predicted to rise by more than 60 per cent worldwide. In low income countries, a 120 per cent increase is expected.

"All continents, including Europe, face the challenge of how to stop the all too many road deaths and injuries," said Brigitte Chaudhry, RoadPeace Founder and President and European Federation of Road Traffic Victims President.

"The World Day of Remembrance offers an ideal opportunity of drawing attention to the urgency of the task and of sharing solutions, while at the same time acknowledging the needless loss of lives and suffering of the bereaved and injured."

Salford Council opened its November meeting with prayers to acknowledge the day of remembrance.

In Liverpool, doves will be released in memory of lost loved ones at a ceremony sponsored by the city council, whilst Thames Valley Police have organised a local remembrance service for the third year running.