North Yorkshire's chief constable, David Kenworthy was today urged to step in personally to have the overtaking lane on Golden Hill, on the A64 Scarborough to York road near Malton, closed off.

The call by County Councillor Mike Knaggs followed yet another road crash yesterday which resulted in people being taken to hospital just 36 hours after Monday's horror crash in which two Thornton-le-Dale teenagers died.

Coun Knaggs, who represents the Malton area at County Hall, said he had asked Mr Kenworthy through the County Police Authority to personally take-up the issue with the Highways Agency.

"The problem could be resolved within hours - we are only talking about white lines on the road and the manpower to lay them, said Coun Knaggs.

He said the action should be taken as a matter or urgency prior to a detailed investigation on the long term future of Golden Hill and safety improvements.

"We cannot allow this carnage to continue. There are the means available to close the overtaking lane and I'm hoping Mr Kenworthy will now put pressure on the Highways Agency to do the work before we have yet another road crash," said Coun Knaggs.