Following the tragic loss of four local residents in less than four weeks at the same A64 blackspot, Kevin Hollinrake MP has committed his full support and efforts to supporting the community’s campaign for extra safety measures. On Friday 23rd June, two local residents died after being hit by a vehicle whilst crossing the road on foot near the Welburn junction. The previous month, another couple were killed after they were hit by a minibus whilst crossing at Crambeck.
Mr Hollinrake has organised an urgent meeting with police and Highways England and has appealed to local people to write to him with their thoughts on what could be done in both the short and long term to prevent any further loss of life and assured them that he would do everything in his power to deliver the safety improvements needed.
Over a hundred residents from several villages were joined at the meeting by local councillors and a representative from the police. Various ideas were put forward by those present to solve what is seen as a dangerous black spot for pedestrians, these included lighting, speed restrictions, speed cameras, traffic lights, a footbridge, changes to white lines, new signs, a pedestrian refuge. There was also concern that verges had overgrown. Many of those attending the meeting said they would not use, or allow their family to use, the bus service because of having to cross the road to get to and from stops.
Statement from Kevin Hollinrake MP for meeting in Welburn 27th June 2017
“The tragic deaths on Friday and those last month of David Tinker and Julie Gough are devastating. My thoughts are with their families, friends, neighbours and the whole community. It is clear that this is a terrible and very dangerous accident blackspot, which is in need of immediate improvements.
New safety measures are required urgently and I have heard from many residents rightly concerned for their safety and want to work with you to push for changes. I have heard calls for a well-lit crossing point and a footbridge but I would be very interested in hearing what the community feels would be the best solution. I am organizing a meeting with the police, Highways England and local councillors and will take your recommendations to this meeting.
Ten lives have been lost along the A64 in the last 12 months, this is utterly unacceptable. So in the longer term, we need a new dual carriageway from York to Malton, including appropriate junctions that safely manage cars, cyclists and pedestrians.
I have been working with the relevant organisations since becoming your MP to get improvements that will resolve both traffic and safety issues. I have argued strongly that the proposed improvements planned for the A64, a further improvement of the Hopgrove roundabout, is a poor use of public monies that will do little or nothing to improve traffic flows, create economy opportunities or improve safety.
Highways England, coincidentally, confirmed yesterday that they have altered their recommendation and now favour the dualling of the first stage of the A64, from York to Barton Hill (where the Jinnah restaurant is situated). This is very good news but we need to continue to press for the remaining section between the Welburn junction and Musley Bank, Malton. I very much hope you will join me in this campaign.
Working together, we must continue pressing for both short term and long term solutions. My colleagues present here will report to me on the meeting’s outcome and I would be very happy to attend a further meeting if that would be useful. I will do everything in my power to deliver the improvements needed.
With my sincere condolences and very best wishes, Kevin”