The voice of the people is to help the Highways Agency decide how to develop the A64 between the A1 and Scarborough.

The public is being urged to have its say in drawing up a management plan, one of a series of route management strategies being prepared by the agency throughout the country.

They aim to help the agency spend money more effectively, make road planning tie in better with regional transport and planning decisions and make sure that local people have their say.

Contributions from users of the route gained through extensive consultation with the interested parties and members of the public will be an essential part of developing strategy.

David Phillips, Highways Agency project manager, said: "The route management strategy for the A64 will begin by looking at what the road does now and then examine what we need it to do in the future.

"It will help to identify issues that need to be tackled and enable us to put together a route management plan - our vision for the road and the improvements we'd like to make.

"Local people often know a great deal about local problems and what the solutions might be, so it is vital that they are consulted from the start in such an important study as this.

"We look forward to hearing their views and hope that together we can produce a plan that works for everyone."

The Highways Agency will be holding a seminar next year and will be giving everyone who wishes the opportunity, by attendance or written contribution, to have their say in the development of the strategy.

Attendance will be by invitation from the agency to organisations, interested parties, transport and public groups.

The wider public will also be involved when public consultation takes place later next year.

Written comments and requests to attend seminars should be sent to Hyder Consulting, Firecrest Court, Centre Park, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1RG.