A ROAD safety team which has saved 126 lives in the county in five years is to continue working despite losing Government funding.

The multi-agency York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership runs the 95 Alive Partnership but its Government funding ends on March 31.

The scheme was set up to save 95 lives by improving road safety across North Yorkshire.

Amongst the groups involved are local councils and the emergency services but despite its work 50 died on North Yorkshire’s roads in 2010.

Despite not knowing what funding will be available to replace the Government’s the partnership is looking to run the campaign in a more limited form.

Tim Madgwick, North Yorkshire Police’s assistant chief constable, said: "This is very good news for everyone and reflects the commitment to making our roads safer.

"We may have less resources in the future but our commitment is as strong and determined as ever, inspired by these excellent results.

"We will continue our robust approach to education and enforcement as we meet the challenging times ahead."

Over the last five years the partnership has faced the challenge to change the behaviour of drivers and pedestrians.

The team focused in on items such as seat belts, distraction driving, speeding, drink and drug driving.

It ran projects like roadshows for older drivers, cycle workshops at schools and Drive Alive events for new young drivers.

The Seatbelt Sheriff has also recruited 5,300 deputies in a bid to make youngsters fasten seatbelts on each trip.

The group’s work has seen the number of road deaths in North Yorkshire fall from 430 to 304 over the last five years.

David Bowe, North Yorkshire County Council’s director of business and environmental services and the chairman of 95 Alive, said: "Crashes are not inevitable, they are preventable.

He said: "The target to save 95 lives was very ambitious, to top that by a further 31 is staggering and very rewarding.

"The most important thing has always been to change behaviour and encourage people to think safety first every time.

"Through 95 Alive we hope crucial lessons have been learned to share the road, take responsibility and stay safe."