Anyone who has driven along the busy A64 knows the feeling. A knot tightens in your stomach. Hairs on the back of your neck stand to attention. Unconsciously, you hold your breath.

This bout of nerves is caused by the sight of a car or lorry edging out of the central reservation a hundred yards ahead. The danger of such a vehicle joining the fast-moving traffic on the dual carriageway is all too apparent.

Motorists can only calm down after the gap is well behind them. But they will never be able to drive along this stretch of road without anxiety until the gaps are closed - permanently.

We launched our Close The Gaps campaign following two fatal accidents involving vehicles crossing the central reservation. It has been a success. The most dangerous gap of all - at Colton Lane End, between York and Tadcaster - could be closed within weeks.

The decision to press ahead with this vital safety measure rests with the Highways Agency. It has drawn up plans to seal the gap up for good.

Agency officials now have a choice: to order the closure, or to call a public inquiry into the issue.

We fervently hope that they take the former course. Action is needed urgently. While this gap stays open, the potential for more carnage remains.

The agency has received 18 objections to the move. These have to be considered, of course. But they must also be weighed against the safety of the thousands of road-users who travel along the A64 every day.

Yes, closing the gap will cause some inconvenience to those who live in Colton and Bolton Percy. It would mean the journey to and from home taking a few minutes longer.

This is not reason enough to call a public inquiry. Such an inquiry would take months to complete, delaying the closure by many months. More lives would be put at risk.

The number of people who are unhappy about the closure is dwarfed by those who support the move. Although Bolton Percy, Colton and Steeton Parish Council said in the summer it was against the closure, our own survey of residents found a clear majority in favour.

There is no need for a public inquiry. Both common sense and local opinion support this safety measure. The gap must be closed now.

see NEWS 'Decision near on A64 gap'

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