SERIOUS traffic accidents went down a huge amount last year, new figures reveal.

Warrington was well ahead of its targets compared to the amount of people killed or critically hurt in 2005.

The statistics show there were 101 of these casualties compared to a target of 127.

That compares even better to the mid 1990s average of 166 per year.

Transport chiefs think speed cameras have played a key role - though caution has been urged.

Clr Brian Axcell, Warrington Borough Council's board member for transport, said: "It is good news.

"However, it's still a tragic loss of life and I wouldn't want anybody to think we are satisfied with these numbers.

"There is a team working on accident reduction and I think we have to pay tribute to the work they are doing."

Phil Johnson, the borough council's head of transport, said: "It is a combination of factors have produced these figures.

"Speed cameras have done a lot to bring about a better perception of speed.

"There's one category of driver which is particularly hard to reduce the risk for and that's younger drivers.

"We need to encourage people in that age group to take care."

The Government has now set Warrington a new target of 99 killed or serious injury casualties per year by 2010.