Government meets disadvantaged targets

Just prior to the Christmas break, the Government announced that it has met its target to reduce road casualties in disadvantaged areas.

Since the target was set in 2002, road casualties in the 88 most deprived districts in England have fallen by 19% - compared with a fall of 15% across the country as a whole. The target was introduced following research showing that children from the poorest communities are up to five times more likely to be involved in road accidents.

Transport minister Stephen Ladyman said: "These results are testament to the work of local councils up and down the country who have risen to the challenge of improving safety for people in disadvantaged communities.

"But the risks to people in the most disadvantaged groups are still high, so there is no room for complacency and we will continue to work to reduce casualties even further."

The DfT's Neighbourhood Road Safety Initiative has awarded grants totalling £17m to develop and demonstrate strategies for tackling the special road safety problems in disadvantaged communities.

For the full story go to: http://www.gnn.gov.uk/environment

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