ROAD deaths across the Durham Constabulary area reached a record low last year, according to figures revealed by the force last night.

Accident investigators said people's willingness to heed road safety measures, and a year-round crackdown on speeding drivers, had played a major part in reducing the death toll.

Twenty-four people died in 21 accidents between January and December, compared to 33 deaths in 1999.

The death toll included nine drivers, five passengers, four motorcyclists and six pedestrians.

In 1990, the number of fatalities on the roads stood at 68, but this figure has fallen throughout the 1990s.

Inspector Gordon Balderstone, head of the force's traffic management department, said: "We have been targeting speeders and drink-drivers throughout the year because there is absolutely no doubting these two factors play a major part in road deaths.

"As well as our mobile speed camera, which operated in problem areas across County Durham and Darlington, we have 14 police cars and motorcycles fitted with video cameras, and more officers are trained to operate hand-held speed detection devices and other specialist equipment."

Full investigations follow every fatal accident, but police specialists and officials from Durham County and Darlington Borough councils also meet within days to see what improvements can be made to increase road safety.

Insp Balderstone said: "By looking together at the scene of a fatal accident it is possible, on occasions, to come up with ideas for improved highway safety that might help prevent any repeat in the future.

"Safer vehicle design, including airbags, side-impact bars and crumple zones, has more than proved its worth in reducing death and serious injury.