Pledge to focus on A64 road safety fears

A PUBLIC meeting is to be held over safety fears for North Yorkshire’s coast road after a number of deaths in recent weeks.

Two people were killed as they crossed the A64 near Welburn last weekend, while a couple were killed nearby at Crambeck last month. Now road safety partnership 95 Alive has pledged to work with Highways England to bring about improvement measures.

“It is of great concern to everybody that there have been two double fatalities on this stretch of the A64 in such a short space of time and our thoughts are very much with the families of those who have died,” said Coun Don Mackenzie, North Yorkshire Council Council’s (NYCC) executive member for highways, following a meeting yesterday. “The safety of residents and road users is a priority for all of us and NYCC will continue to work closely with Highways England, who have responsibility for the A64 route.”

Having been in touch with villagers, he added, a meeting is to be held in Crambeck on July 7.

North Yorkshire Police said the force would be exploring longterm solutions.

“Firstly we would wish to express our sympathy to the families of those who have died; our thoughts are with them at this very sad time,” said Assistant Chief Constable Amanda Oliver.

“The A64 is one of our key routes for our safety camera vans, with a number of enforcement sites to and from Welburn and Crambeck villages. We will be increasing our policing presence to provide some reassurance to our local communities and working with our partners at 95 Alive to explore longer-term solutions.”

It comes after politicians and business leaders announced a joint campaign to turn stretches of the road into a dual carriageway.