Powys Council will target all drivers from next year

Motorcycle fatalities and injuries fell from 111 to 59 between 2003 and last year after a successful bike campaign.

But from next year Powys Council will target all drivers in an attempt to hit Welsh Assembly Government road safety goals.

Research about what messages to send to motorists is currently taking place.

Powys Council said the total of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured (KSI) and those who suffered slight injuries, had dropped by 52 to 59 last year in the county.

WAG ACCIDENT TARGETS BY 2010 40% reduction in the total KSIs 50% reduction in the total child casualties killed or seriously injured 10% reduction in slight casualties per 100m vehicle kms travelled

The council now plans to drive down figures for KSI accidents involving all vehicles.

The safety projects being looked at by the council include more 20mph speed limits outside schools, minor road improvements to accident blackspots and training and publicity campaigns.

Powys council's technical and local services directorate said: "Although there has been a significant reduction in motorcycling casualties, the number of those killed remains relatively constant and the total KSI figures are still above target in Powys.

Motorcyclists deaths are down in Powys

"The road safety effort in 2006 will therefore be aimed at all drivers, rather than motorcyclists alone, and research is taking place to determine what 'messages' should be given to road users."

In May, police and council chiefs said they believed an anti-speeding campaign may have helped cut motorcycle deaths in Powys last year.

Fatal accidents involving motorcyclists fell by more than 50% from 12 in 2003 to five in 2004.

Serious injury accidents also fell from 87 to 49 last year, said officials.

A record 17 riders were killed in the Dyfed-Powys force area in 2003.