The closure of a notorious gap on the A64 has sparked another motoring menace - illegal U-turns through a different gap.

The gap in the central reservation at Colton Lane End, between York and Tadcaster, was shut on Monday night for an experimental 12-month period following two fatal accidents last year.

Drivers wanting to turn into Colton Lane from the eastbound carriageway - to get to villages such as Bolton Percy - are being advised to drive to Copmanthorpe and use the flyover there to safely cross the A64.

But an Evening Press survey yesterday revealed that some drivers are instead driving just a hundred yards beyond the closed gap and making a U-turn through a second opening at Bilbrough Top, which has not been shut.

With their visibility of oncoming traffic restricted by a bend in the dual carriageway, the motorists have to quickly build speed before slowing to exit into Colton Lane.

Half a dozen drivers were spotted making the potentially lethal manoeuvre in 90 minutes yesterday, before the busy evening rush hour had even started.

One car was seen being driven in the wrong direction along a path next to the dual carriageway.

Police warned today that the gap U-turn is strictly illegal, and anyone caught making the manoeuvre will face an automatic fixed penalty of £20.

Traffic Constable Dave Brown, in charge of policing the dual carriageway, warned that they could also face being taken to court on a charge of dangerous driving if the circumstances warranted it.

And he revealed that police will be cracking down on the U-turners from tomorrow, once all the signs are up advising motorists of what they should do.

He said that as well as catching offenders, officers will also be monitoring another ploy being adopted by some motorists: to turn into the McDonalds restaurant at Bilbrough Top, turn round and then head off back down the A64 to Colton Lane. PC Brown said he favoured closing all gaps on the A64 between York and Tadcaster.

A Highways Agency spokesman said the Colton gap had only just been shut and the impact would be monitored over the coming 12 months. He said signs would go up advising motorists to use the Copmanthorpe flyover, which was a far safer manoeuvre than using the Bilbrough Top gap.

He added that it was not practical to close all the gaps on the A64 until long-term plans to build a flyover in the Bilbrough area had come to fruition.

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