THE family of a former York teacher who died when a van veered through a space in a dual carriageway barrier and crashed into her car has told of their relief that the gap has finally been closed.

Former Fulford School teacher Sonia Rose was killed, aged 83, in the crash on the A19 at Mount Grace Priory, north of Thirsk, in 2016.

An inquest in 2017 heard that a van travelling south hit the central reservation barrier, causing it to tip on to two wheels and pass through a gap into the northbound carriageway near Northallerton.

Coroner Michael Oakley said he was concerned by the multitude of crossing points and called for the Department for Transport to consider very quickly the closure of many if not all gaps.

Sonia’s family subsequently launched a petition calling for the gap in the central reservation barrier to be shut and now Highways England has announced that this work has been completed.

Her daughter Katy Rose said on Friday it was a "terrific relief" that the Mount Grace Priory turn-off was now so much safer.

“We were also delighted to hear the news that funding has now been received by Highways England for preliminary investigations into two further nearby stretches of the A19 dual carriageway,” she said.

“We are very grateful to everyone concerned with the campaign, our MPs, Kevin Hollinrake and (Richmond MP) Rishi Sunak, for their support and time, Highways England and of course everyone who got behind our petition.

“We feel a great sense of pride that the A19 is becoming a safer road for everyone. We are certain mum would have been very proud of this too."

She said that with acceleration and deceleration lanes, she was convinced that lives would be saved. "I have been driving up there and keeping my eye on proceedings and the last time I drove past instead of feeling the pain and sadness that usually envelops me at this point on the A19 I felt an immense pride.”

She said road safety was always of the highest importance and the family would do their best to keep the initiative running.

Mr Hollinrake, the MP for Thirsk and Malton, said: “The improvements at Mount Grace will undoubtedly save lives on this busy stretch of road between Teesside and the A1.

“Further measures are needed at these other sections so that people travelling along this fast road can be safe.

“I am very pleased Highways England is delivering on its promises to make this road safer for everyone.

“Once the designs are completed I will support efforts to secure funding.”