CALLS to lower the speed limit on a stretch of the A64 have been renewed following a fatal crash.

A 38-year-old woman from the Leeds area was driving a grey Fiat Punto at about 11.25pm on Thursday when the car struck the central reservation on the westbound carriageway between Copmanthorpe and Bilbrough.

The car overturned and landed in a verge. The woman suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Selby District Councillor Richard Musgrave has previously called for the speed limit to be lowered from 70mph to 50mph, and said he was saddened to hear of another fatality at Bilbrough Top.

He said: “It’s very sad news.

“I can’t believe that there are this many fatal crashes in that very short space of road within about a mile and a half. It’s another tragic waste of life.”

Coun Musgrave and Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, appealed to the Highways Agency for a reduction earlier this year, but the request was refused.

He said: “I think it can’t be a coincidence we keep having very serious crashes on this short stretch of road, and I would like to see a 50mph limit with speed cameras near Bilbrough Top.”

North Yorkshire Police said no other vehicles were involved but urged anyone who saw the crash or the Punto prior to the incident to phone 101 or email julian.pearson@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk