THE number of people injured on roads in the region has fallen by more than 40 per cent in recent years, it has been revealed.


Latest official figures show casualties fell by 42 per cent in Flintshire from an average of 991 a year in the period 1994-98, to 541 in 2009, with a slight rise to 572 last year.


In Wrexham there was a 40 per cent reduction from an average of 717 a year in the period 1994-98, to 461 in 2009, with a further fall to 432 last year.


These figures are resepectively the second and third best recorded in Wales, with only the isle of Anglesey showing a bigger reduction with 57 per cent.


The statistics also reveal that North Wales – along with Gwent – has seen the greatest decline in road deaths in Wales, with both areas recording falls of 80 per cent from 1979-2010.


Welcoming the figures, Wales’ transport minister Carl Sargeant said they show Welsh roads are at their safest since records began 43 years ago.


He added: “It is a tragedy that people still lose their lives on the road network.


“However, this government is fully committed to making Wales’ roads safer and these figures demonstrate that our promotion of safe driving through effective education, safety improvements on our roads and tougher enforcement is having a positive impact.


“The Welsh Government has allocated over £30 million since 2007 to enable local authorities to implement a wide range of road safety projects that have contributed to this downward trend of road casualties.


“Despite meeting and exceeding our very challenging casualty reduction targets there is still more that can be done in order to ensure that Wales continues to be one of the safest countries in the world in which to travel.”


Byron Davies AM, shadow minister for transport and regeneration, said: “While deaths and injuries on the Welsh highways are falling, every accident is a tragedy for those involved and their families.


“While manufacturers are using new technology to improve safety standards in vehicles and driving tests are increasingly rigorous, we can still do more to make our roads safer.


“Ministers need to work constructively with the police and other authorities to promote safe driving and reduce instances of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to make our communities safer.”