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London success leads to new targets

The Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has announced ambitious new road safety targets to halve the number of road deaths in the capital.

The revised 50% target follows a 19% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on London's roads compared to a year ago. The figures mean that targets to cut accidents by 40% by 2010 have almost been met five years early. According to Transport for London (TfL), the figures show that London's road accidents rates are 'improving almost four times faster than the rest of the country'.

Mayor Ken Livingstone said: "London is showing huge progress in cutting road injuries and deaths, disproving those who say that road safety measures have no positive impact. As we have very nearly met existing targets to reduce accidents, I am setting even tougher targets."

Peter Hendy, Managing Director, Surface Transport, Transport for London, said: "By working closely with London boroughs we are having great success in reducing road casualties. Through investing in 20mph zones, better pedestrian crossing and cycling facilities, education and training, and through the use of safety cameras, London is well on the way to achieving its original target. London is the first to raise the bar and we will work hard to meet the challenge."

TfL's figures show that 216 people lost their lives in 2004, 56 fewer than in 2003. There were 939 fewer serious injuries compared to 2003.The figures also show that despite a 40% increase in the number of cyclists on London's roads, deaths and injuries are down 40% since 1998.

A full breakdown of the 2004 London casualty statistics is available at: www.tfl.gov.uk