HUGE REDUCTION OF CHILD DEATHS ON NOTTINGHAMSHIRE’S ROADS

The number of children killed or seriously injured in road accidents in Nottinghamshire has fallen by almost 75% in 10 years. Latest figures show that the county has already reached targets for this year set by the Government in 2000. By 2010 the Government wanted a 40% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents, and a 50% reduction for children.
The number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents has fallen by 45%. Nationally the reduction was 40%. The number of children killed or seriously injured in road accidents has fallen by almost 75%. Nationally the reduction was 59%.
Nottinghamshire County Council has worked with partners on a number of initiatives responsible for the reduction, including education about the dangers of speeding and drink-driving, and targeted traffic calming measures on the county’s roads. High risk areas have also been identified and speed cameras, pedestrian crossings, speed-awareness signs and speed humps have been fitted.
Councillor Richard Jackson, County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “We are really pleased to be ahead of Government targets for reducing injuries and death as a result of road accidents. We are hoping to release figures for 2009 towards the end of April which are looking better than the current published figures.
“One death on our county’s roads is one too many and though current figures are looking very, very good, there is still more work to be done. We will continue to draw upon data and target our initiatives, working with our partners, to ensure injuries and deaths on the roads of Nottinghamshire are further significantly reduced.”