AN ambitious vision to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on North Yorkshire's roads to as close to zero as possible is being launched.

The aim of the new strategy is to identify motorists most at risk of crashing and ensure agencies work together to keep them as safe as possible.

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It will include specific projects, such as the recently launched Christmas Drink and Drug Drive Campaign as well as ongoing engagement.

North Yorkshire and York has around 6,000 miles of roads and safety efforts have already reduced the number of those killed or seriously injured by 26 per cent in the five years to 2019.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Interim Chief Fire Officer Jonathan Foster is the Chair of the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership leading the campaign.

He said: “It is good news that over recent years we have seen a reduction in the number of those who are killed or seriously injured on our roads, but we know that beyond statistics, every collision can have a devastating impact.

“It is for this reason that we are committed to working towards Vision Zero, with the aim of continuously reducing the risk of death or serious harm and to enhancing the safety of all in York and North Yorkshire.

“We look forward to working together in partnership with communities and organisations across North Yorkshire and York to deliver safer roads for us all.”

The Road Safety Partnership includes the emergency services, local councils, the highways authority and the office of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

Zoë Metcalfe, who was recently elected as the region's new PCC, said residents' views will be sought.

She said: "Those who live and work alongside our roads and use them everyday know the challenges, by listening to them, and working to put in place solutions, we can begin our journey to Vision Zero.”

Mark Pannone, Assistant Chief Constable for Specialist Operations at North Yorkshire Police, said: “As police officers we see too much devastation on our roads, and too many lives shattered as a result.

He added: "The strategy is very much welcomed as it sets out our total commitment to make sure our roads are as safe as they possibly can be for all drivers, riders, passengers and pedestrians.”

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