It is hugely disappointing to learn that vital safety improvements to the A64 are set to be delayed by at least a year. It had been hoped that work to switch off the notorious Copmanthorpe traffic lights and build an under-pass for local traffic could start soon.

Instead, the issue will be dragged through the interminable process of a public inquiry.

The blame for this does not rest on the Highways Agency. Indeed, since learning of the overwhelming support for change it has acted swiftly.

The delay can be placed squarely on the doorsteps of those who still object to the agency's proposals. They cannot say that their complaints have been ignored. Highways chiefs adjusted their plans after listening to initial criticism. Some of the original critics have subsequently withdrawn their objections.

Unfortunately, however, 17 individuals or groups remain stubbornly unmoved. They have chosen to put their personal interests ahead of the greater good of all who travel on the A64.

We know what follows all too well. The creaking public inquiry machine will have to be set in motion. A date will be fixed for the initial hearings, sometime in the summer if we are lucky.

After weeks of depositions, arguments and cross-examinations, the Government inspector in charge will pack up the mountain of paperwork generated by the inquiry and retire to consider his verdict.

Then we wait. And it could be a very long wait. It took more than two years for the result of the Vale of York pylon inquiry to be announced.

And while the inspector ponders, countless thousands of cars and lorries will speed along this infamous stretch of the A64. Many will be caught out by the changing traffic lights at Copmanthorpe, and brake or accelerate dangerously as a result.

There remains slight hope that the public inquiry can be avoided. Agency officers are still negotiating with the objectors.

We appeal to the 17: please reconsider. These improvements are needed now. Any further delay could come at a terrible price.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.