ROAD accident rates across York are on course to meet tough Government reduction targets, according to new council figures.

City of York Council road safety experts have revealed that 22 fewer people died or were seriously injured in York accidents in 2001.

The total of 114 people compares with an average of 136 people killed or seriously injured each year between 1994 and 1998.

Road safety officer Ken Spence said the numbers showed the city was on course to hit tough Government targets of a 40 per cent reduction in such accidents by 2010.

Mr Spence said year-on-year figures tended to fluctuate, but the overall trend showed a declining number of road accidents in York.

He said: "Among the categories of road user injuries, the only increase is among vehicle occupants, and this may be down to more journeys and more exposure to risk. These figures are largely due to the policies of the council in promoting safety for pedestrians, cyclists and all road users."

The recent Tower Street safety scheme, for example, has had a dramatic impact in cutting road accidents in the area, he said.

The scheme, which provides segregated routes for cyclists from Skeldergate Bridge to Tower Street, has led to a significant fall in accidents.

Between 1995 and 1997 there were 12 recorded accidents, including eight involving cyclists, but since the scheme was introduced in May 2000 there have only been two accidents.

Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing, executive member for transport, said she was delighted by the figures.

She said: "This year we're investing £750,000 in a range of safety measures designed to bring about a massive improvement in road safety for York, for all road users."

New local safety schemes planned across the city this year include:

* Huntington Road - mini island improvements

* Hamilton Drive - traffic calming and 20mph zone

* St Deny's Road junction with Piccadilly - green surfacing in cycle lane

* Thanet Road junction with Eason View - cycle lane across junction

* York Road junction with A1079 Dunnington - anti-skid on approach

* Bishopthorpe local safety scheme, including school safety zone.

Updated: 08:35 Monday, July 29, 2002