The mayor has met his targets on reducing road accidents

There were 355 deaths or serious injuries to children on roads across London in 2005 - 27% less than in 2004.

But the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured rose from 340 in 2004 to 372 last year.

London mayor Ken Livingstone said he believed the drop was helped by speed reductions and extra traffic cameras.

Overall, there were 3,650 deaths or serious injuries (KSIs) on London roads in 2005 - 12% fewer than in 2004.

The government has set a target of reducing KSIs by 40% compared to the 1994-98 average by 2010, and a 50% for cases involving children.

'Roads safer'

Mr Livingstone wants to reduce them even further - 50% for KSIs and 60% for child KSIs, targets which have been met four years early.

Mr Livingstone said: "Today's figures show that London's roads have become safer for children thanks to record levels of investment into reducing death and injury on the capital.

"Road safety is working in London following the introduction of 20mph zones and speed cameras along with increased road safety awareness.

"This success over the last five years has meant we are now working towards even tougher targets.

"One death or serious injury on London's roads is one too many, particularly when a child is involved, and our efforts will continue to try to drive this number down even further."