During the last 12 months, 65 people have died compared to 88 in the previous year.

Thirteen people have died in motorcycle accidents - half the total who died by this time in 2003.

Supt Martin Deacon said it was partly down to hard-line policing over speeding drivers and called on everyone to keep the momentum going.

'Tough line'

A summer-long speed campaign has seen extra controls and speed checks across the county. So far, 324 people have been discovered exceeding the speed limits by 30mph or more.

Supt Deacon said: "We have taken a tough line against speeders and those who ride or drive dangerously in other ways.

"The bottom line is that because of us there are people alive today who would otherwise be dead."

He added: "We have achieved a great deal already this year but now I want to keep up the momentum right through the difficult driving conditions of autumn and winter."