ANOTHER gap has shut on the A64 after police spotted drivers using it to make illegal U-turns.

The gap in the central reservation at Old Street Junction is the third to close in less than four months.

The Highways Agency shut a notorious gap at nearby Bilbrough Top in December, prior to the start of construction of an £11 million new flyover.

Vehicles passing through the gap had previously been involved in a number of serious accidents, including two fatal crashes.

Motorists wanting to cross from the westbound carriageway to the eastbound side were diverted to Tadcaster, where they were meant to use an existing flyover.

But many instead used another gap near the Aagrah restaurant, which was then shut last month. The gap near Old Street Junction, not far from the Aagrah gap, was subsequently used instead, with police reporting a number of serious near misses.

The gap will remain closed until spring 2005, when the new flyover is set to be completed. "This is a major safety concern," said an agency spokeswoman.

Flyover project manager Lynne Biddles said she realised that closing the latest gap would inconvenience some local residents. "But on balance, we and the police feel the safety benefits outweigh any difficulties the closure will cause."

She said the U-turns which drivers had been making were highly dangerous. "We would strongly urge all drivers to follow the diversion signs and not be tempted to opt for short cuts which could endanger their own lives and those of other road users."

Updated: 11:04 Tuesday, March 23, 2004