A HOUSING association has joined forces with police and fire fighters to help make Craven's roads safer.

Road safety messages are being emblazoned on the back of 30 maintenance vehicles operated by Craven Housing Association urging motorists to think about their driving.

The vans which travel across the district on a daily basis display warnings such as Speed Kills, Is it Safe to Overtake? and Don't be a Statistic.

The move has been welcomed by the county's police and fire service whose on-going campaigns have reduced the number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents.

Two years ago 67 people were killed or seriously injured on Craven's roads between January and September. This year the figure was down to 37 for the same period.

But although campaigns by the emergency services are proving successful Chief Inspector Chris Chelton said the number of accidents on the district's road was still too high.

He added: "We welcome this initiative which is an excellent example of the emergency services working in partnership with other groups to benefit the community as a whole.

"Our accident rates are falling and this scheme by Craven Housing will help to reduce these figures further."

David Bolton, acting director of Craven Housing, said: "We are hoping that these simple messages will help saves lives. If the initiative contributes to saving just one life it will be worth it.

"I am sure it will have an effect on drivers and make them think before they embark on a potentially dangerous manoeuvre."

Mr Bolton said the initiative was part of the association's policy of working with partners to benefit the local community.

North Yorkshire Fire Service is looking to extend the initiative by adding similar warnings to its appliances and vehicles.

Craven Group Manager for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Dave McCabe said: "We are working towards putting similar messages on our appliances in an attempt to help educate motorists about the way they drive.

"Current campaigns are already having a beneficial effect and this is just one more step towards making our roads safer."