MOTORISTS today renewed calls for a notorious A64 gap to be shut, following yet another accident.

The crash, which slowed rush hour traffic to a crawl yesterday evening, was at least the fifth at the Bilbrough Top accident blackspot in only two weeks.

The collision happened shortly before 4.30pm on the westbound carriageway near the McDonald's restaurant.

One vehicle was attempting to cross through the gap in the central reservation when it was struck by a car heading west.

Two people were injured, including a man from North Duffield, but neither required hospital treatment.

The accident sparked demands from motorists and local residents for the immediate closure of the gaps. John Middleton, of Halladale Close, York, who commutes to Leeds daily on the A64, said: "How much longer will the Highways Agency play God with the lives of those who travel through, live and work in that area?

"Or is it the businesses

in the area that are keeping the pressure on the Highways Agency to keep it open?"

Mr Middleton said that one life lost was one too many.

"I'm sure people would not mind the extra detour to the York outer ring road at Askham Bryan to safely cross the A64 and live to see another day. "It cannot be too difficult to light the area and put a pedestrian island in like on the outer ring road at Askham Bryan and Woodthorpe. We need action now, not discussion."

Another, who did not give his name, was furious that yet another accident had been caused by the gaps. "I just don't know why they can't close that gap," he fumed.

Highways Agency officers today defended their decision not to close the gap until the flyover is built.

Project manager David Phillips said the agency had had to take into account the views of local residents, businessmen and farmers, some of whom were opposed to closure. "We have to take a broader view about the implications for businesses and local people and believe that at the moment we need to retain some local access."

After last night's accident, traffic heading west was reduced to a single lane while the damaged cars were moved, causing massive tailbacks.

Tim Naughton, of Appleton Roebuck, emailed the Evening Press to say his wife and children narrowly avoided getting caught up in last night's accident by braking and swerving to get out of the way. "It was a harrowing experience for my children....

"No one would dream of trying to cross a 70 mph motorway - so why allow it here?" he asked. "Close the gaps now - yes, it will inconvenience local but maybe we will all be much safer."

Updated: 14:07 Friday, January 19, 2001