Road deaths fall

Fewer people are being killed and seriously injured in road accidents in Shropshire.

In 2002, 299, people were killed or injured, a drop of 100 from the previous year, meaning Shropshire County Council is set to meet its five year target.

But the annual report on the authority's plans says more needs to be done to cut the number of pedestrians becoming road casualties.

More bus users

More emphasis is to be put on traffic calming, priority areas for walkers and cyclists and safety training.

The number of bus passengers rose by a third of a million last year to 6.6 million, and the authroty says work is continuing to make public transport more attractive.

Much remains to be done and we are dependent on government for most of the resources needed to continue improving our transport system Philip Engleheart, county councillor

More has been spent on maintaining the county's roads than originally planned and the council is bidding for £21m in government cash to continue its work in 2003/4.

County council cabinet member, Philip Engleheart, said: "We are now more than half way through the local transport plan, and I am pleased that we are continuing to make excellent progress with the delivery of our transport strategy.

"Much remains to be done, and we are dependent on government for most of the resources needed to continue improving our transport system."