THE lowest accident figures in 30 years have been achieved across Stockton.

Transport chiefs at Stockton Borough Council are celebrating with the announcement of the best figures since records began three decades ago.

The final figures for last year have been released and show that the total for all injury accidents were dowm by 13 per cent from the previous lowest figure, in 2002.

As a result, the council is determined to set even tougher accident-reduction targets, lower than those required by the Government.

The number of people killed or seriously injured has fallen by 22 per cent over the previous year, and by 32 per cent since 2003.

Serious accidents involving children have fallen by more than 50 per cent.

Stockton invests large sums of money every year in measures to make the area safer for all road users and pedestrians.

Road safety projects have included improved pedestrian crossings and traffic signals, lowered speed limits, street lighting improvements, better highway maintenance and the support for safety cameras and traffic calming schemes.

The council also provides cycle and pedestrian training for schools, runs award-winning motorcycle training schemes and encourages driver training for council staff.

It also organises the Driver Improvement Scheme for Cleveland Police.

Initiatives to be introduced will include more driver education and the use of more driver feedback signs.

The council is submitting its next local transport plan later this month, and in buoyed by the latest figures, is setting tougher targets.

Councillor Bob Cook, cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: "When you consider the pain, grief and suffering road casualties can cause, these results are especially gratifying.

"Yet again, we demonstrate our commitment to improving transport for Stockton's residents, while reducing the numbers of casualties on our roads.

"We will continue to work hard to reduce the number of people affected by road accidents.

"I must give credit to council staff, the many volunteers who give hours of their time and to the police whose commitment to accident reduction is admirable."