THE number of people killed on Bolton's roads this year has fallen by almost 50 per cent, police have revealed.

Since January, eight people have died in accidents on roads across the borough, compared with 14 last year.

Police chiefs welcomed the news that figures have dropped, but said the number of people losing their lives on the roads was still too high.

Insp Chris Burrows from the Road Policing Unit at Leigh, which covers Bolton, said: "We want to make sure the number is even lower next year. Sadly, I believe many of the accidents could have been prevented. This year, there is a mixture of motorists, motorcyclist and pedestrians.

"Drink was an element in some of the incidents and I would remind all motorists and cyclists that any amount of alcohol affects people's ability to drive.

"Next year, we will be carrying out more enforcement to ensure people do not get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol."

He added: "Roads are dangerous places - they should be treated with care and people should always be aware of their surroundings and their actions.

"Although mobile phone use was not a factor in any of the accidents this year, we know it goes on so we would advise people that using a phone when driving can increase your risk of having a collision."