THE number of deaths on West Yorkshire's roads has fallen to its lowest level since 1974.

The number fell to 102 last year, as against 115 in 2002 and 144 in 2001.

The number of serious injuries fell by 68, from 1,204 to 1,136. Slight injuries were down 88, from 11,648 to 11,560.

The total number of road crashes was 8,489 last year, a fall of 174 on 2002.

In Kirklees, which takes in Huddersfield and Dewsbury police divisions, the number of deaths fell from 19 in 2002 to 15 last year. The number of serious injuries was down 22 to 179, but slight injuries were up 26 to 2,232.

More than 75% of all road crashes in West Yorkshire last year were in 30mph zones, with 11% in 40mph, 6% in 70mph, 5% in 60mph and 1% in 50mph areas.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Casualty Reduction Partnership - the organisation which operates speed cameras in the county - said: "This finding adds weight to the partnership's current public information campaign aimed at reducing driving speeds and road accidents in the suburbs."

The partnership also said that, contrary to public belief, most crashes did not happen in bad weather or at night.

Almost nine out of 10 happen in fine, bright weather. The road surface was dry in seven out of 10.

The worst time for accidents is between 5pm and 6pm.

December is the worst month for fatal accidents.