THE number of people injured in crashes on Bradford's roads is at its lowest level in over seven years.

In 2018 there were 1,291 people injured in road accidents across the Bradford District - down from 1,366 in 2017.

It is the lowest the figure has been in recent years. In 2012 the number of casualties was 1,966.

An annual update on road safety in the district will be discussed by Bradford Council's five area committees starting next week, where Councillors will be able to scrutinise work being done to reduce accidents in their areas.

They will be told that sessions in schools, publicity campaigns and traffic operations like Operation Steerside have all helped reduce the casualty levels.

The report reveals that last year 15 people lost their lives in traffic accidents. 162 people were seriously injured, and 1,114 suffered slight injuries.

Compared to 2017 there was a reduction in the number of pedestrians, pedal cyclists and car occupants injured.

However there was a rise in the number of motorcycle riders injured - up from 66 to 82.

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The report says: "In 2018 there was an overall decrease in casualties in the Bradford District and the long term downward trend has been maintained. This mirrors the long term downward trend for West Yorkshire."

There is a particular focus on spreading road safety messages to Year 7 children, with the report saying: "Analysis of casualties and causation factors has continued to highlight the vulnerability of 11-12 year old pedestrians, with failure to look properly being a major contributory factor."

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police Crime Commissioner, said: “It’s good to see road traffic collisions starting to reduce which is testament to the work of Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police and a whole host of other partners. Road safety is an important priority in my Police and Crime Plan, with education, enforcement and prevention initiatives being pivotal to making the difference.

"Partnership working is key and West Yorkshire Police’s ongoing multi-agency operation to tackle anti-social and illegally driven vehicles continues to have a real impact in making roads safer.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: "Along with our key partners, we are striving to reduce traffic collisions, eradicate anti-social driving and encourage healthier travel choices. Every collision and injury is one too many and we all have a part to play in working to prevent them.

“Where problems do occur we target them with appropriate interventions: engineering, enforcement or education, training and publicity.

“Operation Steerside, a partnership of the Police, Fire Service and Council, is also making strides in providing a holistic approach to tackling anti-social behaviour on Bradford's roads.

“Our work is continuing with the planned 20mph zones for the city centre and around more of our schools.

"The Council’s Executive has just approved a new housing design guide that includes the introduction of 20mph zones as standard. It also expects developers to create communities that are safe and welcoming for pedestrians and cyclists.

“The reduction in casualties is welcomed and shows our approach is working.”