Speaking after the launch of the local policing plan last week, Chief Inspector David Moore said he was disappointed the PSNI had not reached their target to reduce the number of fatalities on the roads around the city last year. The number of people killed last year was seven - the same as the year before.

Mr Moore said that more fixed penalties will be issued, especially to those failing to wear seatbelts. "If more people wear seatbelts injuries would be less severe," Mr Moore said. "We have to be serious and we need to enforce the law. It is helping to keep more motorists alive."

Another target which police will aim to further improve in the coming year relates to drugs offences. Mr Moore said he welcomed the fact the number of people charged with supply offences relating to drugs increased by five. In 2006/07 69 people were arrested and 35 charged, while last year there were 90 arrests relating to drugs offences with 40 charges. Mr Moore said recent analysis work had been undertaken which would enable officers to better identify suppliers. That in turn, he said, will generate more searches which would lead to an increased proportion of supply charges.

Speaking of the new plan Mr Moore said: "This local plan is a key tool in helping us deliver policing for the people of the area.

"Working with partner organisations and the community we have developed the plan to identify local priorities on which police will concentrate resources and operations in the coming year. My job is to ensure that we listen to the communty and that people receive an efficient, effective progressive and professional policing service tailored for the needs of this area.

"This can best be acheived through the commnunity and ourselves working closely in partnership. It is the role of the District Policing Partnership to monitor our tragets on behalf of all of the community at regulalr public meetings throughout the year and we will work with them and suport them in doing this. We look forward to continuing to building on the work which has been done with existing partners as well as establishing new partnerships during the year ahead to deliver for the people of this area. The more we work together the more we can achieve."