A five-year countywide strategy, which has led to major transport improvements in East Cambridgeshire, has resulted in a drop in road accidents. A recent county council report revealed that there has been a 23 per cent reductioin in the number of road acc

A five-year countywide strategy, which has led to major transport improvements in East Cambridgeshire, has resulted in a drop in road accidents.

A recent county council report revealed that there has been a 23 per cent reductioin in the number of road accident deaths over the last 10 years.

It also showed that the number of bus passengers in the county had increased substantially.

Since the initiative began £146 million has been invested by the Government and private developers to improve and maintain transport facilities.

In East Cambridgeshire several schemes have been carried out to improve bus stops, and a cycleway has been placed between Ely and Witchford.

In 2003, Ely and Soham Dial-a-Ride was launched in partnership with East Cambridgeshire District Council and the Cambridgeshire Rural Transport Partnership, offering a door-to-door service for those living in Ely, Soham and the surrounding villages who were unable to access conventional public transport.

The £12.5 million Fordham bypass, which opened in 2005, was also a product of the scheme.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member for environment and community services said: "The council has made major progress and invested heavily in improving public transport, reducing accidents and maintaining roads, plus creating new routes and cycleways."

Cllr Reynolds also acknowledged the growing development in the county means standards will have to remain high to cope with future demands.

"The progress that has been made over the last five years, and the continuing development of the second local transport plan for 2006-11 and long-term transport strategy puts Cambridgeshire in an excellent position to continue to meet the demands the county faces," he added.