AS two more names are added to the death toll on the A19 near York, it is surely time to bring forward safety improvements on this busy road.

One of the recent victims was James Parker. His story illustrates bleakly the senseless waste of life associated with the A19 south of the city.

In a brave and poignant tribute today, James's parents described the son they knew: a man with talent and a lust for life. In a few seconds, a future which promised so much was destroyed. James's car left the A19 south of Crockey Hill and collided with a tree.

His death has touched many lives. Grieving friends filled the home of this popular young man's parents as the news sank in.

Multiply their loss by the number of road victims on the A19, and we are looking at human tragedy on a large scale.

It is time something was done.

Two MPs say that we must not wait for another calamity before drawing up plans to improve the road. Selby's John Grogan called for action on Friday; he has set up meetings with residents and councillors to discuss what can be done.

On Saturday, Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh added her support. She has campaigned for roundabouts to be built to slow down the speeding traffic.

As she points out, when a roundabout was built at the southern end of Easingwold, "an immediate improvement in the safety record was seen".

Residents of A19 villages Shipton-by-Beningbrough and Thormanby have long fought for the road to be made safer, the latter group memorably positioning huge pictures of coffins on the roadside to put their point across.

Now two new voices have been added to the many calling for action: those of Malcolm and Stella Parker.

We hope they are listened too, and soon.

Updated: 10:49 Monday, May 26, 2003