TARGETS have been set to cut the rising number of deaths and injuries on the county's roads.

An action plan has been drawn up by the county council, with help from other local organisations, to reduce the numbers killed and seriously injured on the roads every year.

The proposals have been drawn up following recent figures showing a marked increase in the number of casualties across the county, from 792 in 2001 to 837 in 2002.

The council is considering what what steps can be taken to cut the death toll.

By 2010, the authority hopes to have reduced the number of deaths and serious injuries by 40 per cent and cut those involving children by 60 per cent.

There are also plans to cut the slight casualty rate by ten per cent. As part of the campaign to reach the targets, the council will campaign to ensure at least 95 per cent of children travelling as front seat passengers wear seat belts and that 90 per cent of rear seat passengers also wear restraints.

Several councillors have formed a research group to identify different approaches.

They consulted a number of organisations and authorities, including the police, fire and rescue, ambulance service, neighbouring councils and national park authorities.

Group spokesman Councillor Bill Barton said the group had focused on the three e's of road safety - education, engineering and enforcement.

One factor all members agreed on was that the ability of the driver was critical.

"A driver with a high level of expertise might be able to deal successfully with a situation that would result in an accident if encountered by a driver with less ability," said Coun Barton.

"Vehicles and road engineering can do much to prevent accidents and to reduce the injuries from them when they do occur, but the major influence rests with drivers."

Suggestions to help cut the death toll include educating young people and vulnerable groups about safe and non-aggressive driving.

Other suggestions include lower speed limits, increased police and camera presence, better road markings and multi-agency enforcement and campaigns.

The council's environmental services scrutiny committee will meet on Thursday to discuss the proposals.