A64 crossroads blackspot plea

10:30am Saturday 19th July 2008

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MAJOR improvements are needed on an accident blackspot near York, local politicians have claimed.

The Conservatives are calling on the Highways Agency to come up with a way to enhance safety at the Hazel Bush crossroads on the A64, between York and Malton.

They say there have been 17 accidents causing injury there in the past three years, and claim some local residents avoid using the junction as it is so dangerous.

The crossroads links the A64 with Towthorpe Moor Lane, and is a key access point for people in villages such as Strensall, Towthorpe, Warthill and Stockton-on-the-Forest.

Local Tories have now drawn up a petition, which they are distributing in local shops and businesses, including the Farmer’s Cart; the local post office; and garden centres.

They are also planning to distribute leaflets locally, calling for residents to support the campaign.

Julian Sturdy, who is standing for the Conservatives in York Outer at the next General Election, said: “The Highways Agency has told me that they recognise the problem with the junction, but have not prioritised it for funding.

“There have been 17 accidents causing injuries recorded over the last three years at that junction and some residents have told me they avoid using it for fear of having an accident.

“By launching this campaign, we hope to convince the Highways Agency that the Hazel Bush crossroads is a high priority and action should be taken.”

Strensall councillor Siân Wiseman said: “The A64 falls under the responsibility of the Highways Agency and we feel it is very important that we highlight the strength of feeling in the local community to improving road safety at this junction, which is what this petition aims to do.”

A Highways Agency spokeswoman said: “In the last year, the Highways Agency has carried out safety improvements at the junction which included anti skid surfacing, and improvements to the white lining and signs.

“The Agency is currently monitoring the effects of these improvements but it is too early yet to reach any firm conclusions about the possible need for any further work.”

Accidents at Hazel Bush

There have been numerous accidents at or near the Hazel Bush crossroads in recent years.

In August 2006, a motorcyclist suffered serious injuries when his bike collided with a Fiat car.

The rider suffered a broken arm and leg, and dislocated a knee. The road was closed for four hours.

Four months later, a month-old baby boy and a young girl suffered serious injuries, when a car with seven people on board crashed in early-morning fog.

On Easter Sunday 2004, a motorcyclist from Wakefield was seriously hurt at the junction. He was overtaking slower moving vehicles when he hit a car turning right.

Have your say

Have you experienced safety problems at the junction?