HIGHWAYS chiefs have drawn up plans to improve safety on a Ryedale road where nearly 60 people have been injured in the last four years.

A survey by officers with North Yorkshire County Council's environmental services has shown that between 1992 and 1996 there were 59 accidents on the B1248 Beverley road in Malton and Norton.

Out of the 59 accidents that took place, 18 people sustained serious injuries resulting in hospital treatment, and 41 people were only slightly hurt and did not need hospital treatment.

Tony Wright, area traffic manager for environmental services, said: "There's no set record that says when safety measures should be implemented, however 59 is enough to consider that some changes have to be made.

"Obviously we've been monitoring this road for quite some time, and we've drawn up a safety scheme in response to the number of injuries."

The scheme will focus on Castlegate Road in Malton, and Church Street, Commercial Street and Scarborough Road in Norton. Safety measures will include improving access to the Safeway supermarket, yellow box markings, skid-resistant surfacing on the approach to pelican crossings, and a mini-roundabout at the junction of Commercial Street with Mill Street.

If given the go-ahead work will begin at the end of the year.

Mr Wright added: "Similar safety schemes in other areas have shown that the number of accidents has reduced significantly, however they're never stopped altogether."

The scheme is currently undergoing a consultation exercise when local council committees consider the recommendations.

Malton councillor Des Reed, a member of the Malton, Norton and District Road Safety Committee, said he had no doubts that the scheme would be approved by town leaders.

He said: "Any accident is one too many. That is why these safety measures are important not only to drivers but pedestrians as well.

"It is vital that people are aware of oncoming situations, and additional road markings should be a help."

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