RYEDALE MP Kevin Hollinrake has welcomed a range of planned safety improvements to a stretch of the A64 on which four people were killed last year.

Mr Hollinrake, MP for the Thirsk and Malton, made the comments after meeting with Highways England.

He said: “I’m pleased to be able to report that Highways England is developing substantial proposals for the realignment of the existing footways and kerbs, new pedestrian refuges and improved bus stop and turning facilities on the A64 at Welburn and Crambeck.

“This follows the terrible tragedies last summer when four people were killed within a month on that stretch of road.”

In May 2017, Julie Gough, and her partner, Dave Tinker, died while crossing the 60mph road near Crambeck, where they lived.

Then, on June 23, 2017, Charles McLaughlin and wife Judith, 58, were also killed while crossing the A64 to Jamie’s Cragg holiday park where they were living.

In the wake of the deaths, the A64 Road Safety Action Group was set up to press for improvements to be made to safeguard road users. The group includes representatives from Crambeck, Welburn, Whitwell, Crambe and Huttons Ambo.

In January, Highways England said it would be conducting a safety survey of the road with a view to implementing improvements, but as recently as last month, safety campaigners were expressing anger and disappointment that no progress has yet been made. Mr Hollinrake said that the surveys are complete.

“Highways England has conducted detailed studies after several meetings with myself, the police, Councillor Caroline Goodrick and local residents,” he said.

“Highways England says that its design team expects to have the detailed design, including enhanced signs and road markings, completed by next summer with a view to starting construction later in the year.

“While these improvements have taken longer than we would have liked, it is important that we get it right to ensure that the solution does not result in unintended consequences which could make matters worse.

“These changes will allow pedestrians to cross the road safely and access the bus stop.

“Since the tragedies last year, we have helped to make sure that there is an increased police safety camera presence on that stretch of the A64.

“I will continue to keep up the pressure to make sure that these improvements are delivered as soon as possible.”