REDUCING the number of road accidents and improving road safety is a high priority for the public, according to a transport survey.

The consultation by North Yorkshire County Council involving thousands of people has been carried out to discover what the area's transport needs are.

Other priorities from the public included improving public transport, maintaining roads and pavements, encouraging less car use and reducing congestion.

Meanwhile, the county council said 74 per cent of people who responded would like to walk or cycle more, but were concerned about safety because of the amount of traffic.

The plan will set out aims and objectives for the future of transport in the county.

A draft document has already been produced, taking into account what the public said, as well as Government priorities.

The plan has included bus routes for Harrogate to Pateley Bridge, Harrogate to Wetherby, and Bilton to Jennyfield.