A DANGEROUS central reserve gap on the A64 between York and Tadcaster is to stay permanently shut, the Highways Agency announced today.

The gap at Colton Lane End was closed for an experimental period last year after two fatal accidents involving vehicles passing through the central reservation.

The accidents sparked the Evening Press's Close The Gaps campaign, which called for the shutting of all gaps in the central reservation between York and Tadcaster.

Our petition to the Government won the backing of hundreds of readers, and also key emergency services.

The then headteacher of Tadcaster Grammar School, David Impey, spoke out in support of the campaign, saying he was concerned about the safety of hundreds of pupils from Bishopthorpe and Copmanthorpe as they travelled to school along the dual carriageway in buses each day. The Highways Agency said today that the gap closure was seen as an interim safety measure, with its long-term plan being to build a flyover in the area to help traffic crossing the dual carriageway.

It hoped an announcement would be made shortly about the planned flyover at nearby Bilbrough Top. The agency has refused to close a gap at Bilbrough Top until the flyover is built, despite a number of accidents involving vehicles passing through this gap.

It said the decision to go ahead with the permanent closure of the Colton Lane End gap had come after a period of public consultation, in which a wide range of views was received.

"Our decision to close the gaps on a permanent basis was felt to be the best way forward and has the backing of North Yorkshire Police," said agency area manager Peter Moffatt.

"Local people have had the chance to comment during the trial period, and the overwhelming opinion was that the closure should be made permanent."

The Highways Agency undertook an eight-month consultation over the gap closures, including attending local parish council meetings and gathering as many views as possible. During the first six months of the experimental period, the views and opinions of local people were also sought.

The Highways Agency is asking drivers to use the interchanges at Tadcaster Bar and Askham Bryan as alternative routes for turning manoeuvres as these are the safest options. Signs have been erected on the A64 and Colton Lane indicating the alternative routes.