TRAFFIC chiefs are set to install "ghost" speed humps to deter speeding motorists at a notorious accident blackspot.

The scheme is one of several "psychological" traffic calming measures proposed for a dangerous stretch of Hull Road in York, following safety concerns from residents.

Coun Ann Reid, City of York Council's executive member for planning and transport, said the tactics included painting imaginary humps on the road surface to outfox motorists and encourage them to slow down.

She said Hull Road was not suitable for real traffic humps, as the vibration caused by driving over them could disturb residents.

Other speed-cutting schemes proposed include repainting the white lining to give drivers the impression that the road is narrower than it actually is. Coun Reid said trees and other vegetation could be planted close to the road in order to heighten the impression.

The measures have been put forward in the wake of a 700-name petition signed by residents calling for speed cameras to be installed along the stretch.

The petition followed the death of 20-year-old Bethany Gale, who was struck by a car as she and her boyfriend were walking across the road near the junction with Pinelands Way in February. It has not yet been established whether speed was a factor in the accident.

A council study has found the stretch of Hull Road between Tang Hall Lane and Field Lane did not meet the Government criteria for a fixed camera site, which is four fatalities or serious injury cases in the last three years. North Yorkshire Police do not operate fixed speed cameras anywhere in the region.

Coun Reid told a planning and transport advisory panel: "I'm concerned by the safety record on Hull Road.

"Councillors supported introducing a range of measures for the council to employ to make the road safer. These include awareness campaigns, a speed initiative and the possibility of changing the layout of the road as part of the next road capital programme.

"These measures are designed to persuade people to keep to the speed limit".

Coun Reid said the police did not consider the road to show the levels of speeding which would normally lead to the installation of a speed camera.

Meanwhile, proposals have been approved to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities on routes into Archbishop Holgate School, off Hull Road.

A toucan crossing, incorporating additional cycling facilities, will replace the current pelican crossing close to the Pinelands Way junction, and an off-road shared use cycleway/footway will be installed along the southern verge, off Yarburgh Way.

Updated: 09:26 Saturday, December 10, 2005