The number of accidents on the A64 between York and Leeds has doubled in the last five years, it was revealed today.

In response to a parliamentary question by Selby MP John Grogan, Transport Minister Glenda Jackson said the accident toll had risen from 36 in 1993 to 73 in the last 12 months.

Mr Grogan described the figures as "truly shocking", and said they backed up the case for an underpass at Copmanthorpe junction and a proposed flyover at Bilbrough Top.

He said it also reinforced the calls for an immediate closure of the A64 gap at Colton Lane End, where two motorists have been killed this year. Both fatal accidents involved vehicles crossing through the notorious gap and being struck by vehicles coming along the A64.

The Government announced last week the building of a £2.2 million scheme to replace the gantry traffic lights at Copmanthorpe junction with a new link road underpass beneath the dual carriageway.

Mr Grogan said today the Copmanthorpe project was only the first step towards reducing the A64 death toll.

The next stage would be the construction of a new flyover at Bilbrough Top. The Highways Agency would be launching this project at a public consultation meeting at the Buckles Inn, on the A64 near Tadcaster, on September 24. Consultation is also under way on the temporary closure of the A64 gap at Colton Lane End.

Mr Grogan said: "We have all been talking about the A64 as an accident blackspot - now we have the figures to prove it.

"An increase in accidents of 100 per cent is fairly alarming, and I will be talking to the police and Highways Agency about them."Over the last few years, the A64 between York and Leeds has become much less safe for motorists.

"The accident statistics are truly shocking. Now that the Roads Minister has committed the Government to building an underpass at Copmanthorpe, we need to keep up the pressure to secure funding to close the gap at Colton Lane End in the short term, and for a flyover at Bilbrough Top in the medium term."

The Highways Agency is now consulting parish councils about the temporary closure of the Colton Lane End gap until an interchange is built.

Bilbrough Parish Council is backing the closure, as well as supporting calls for the sealing of the gap outside McDonalds restaurant.

Bolton Percy parish councillors, however, are opposing the closure of the Colton Lane End gap.

The stastistics given to MPs revealed that 72 people were injured and one killed in A64 accidents last year, compared to 34 injuries and two deaths in 1993.

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