Figures for the number of people killed and injured on Bradford's roads have a sting in their tail.

Fewer people lost their lives on the roads last year than in the previous year and that is to be welcomed. But both a rise in the number of child casualties and a rise in the number of children seriously injured or killed is troubling.

Children are poor judges of risk and speed and it seems they are paying a heavy price, both locally and nationally, for the recklessness of some drivers. Tackling the issue is not a simple matter, however. Road safety is made up of many factors: there is the infrastructure itself - our roads, pavements and crossings - the competence of drivers, the construction of vehicles and the knowledge and behaviour of pedestrians themselves, to name but few.

How readily these factors can be altered varies. For example, changing the layout of a large section of road can be costly, take time and its effects are naturally limited to that stretch of road. Changing the way people act, on the other hand, can be much more effective.

So while there is a £2m speed management initiative on the way, the Council is also looking to win over hearts and minds, with an emphasis on social responsibility and the younger driver in particular.

It is to be hoped the message gets through. Drivers, especially young drivers, must realise their licence is a privilege, not a right, and one which must be earned by responsible behaviour.