MORE than 500 people have signed a petition calling for new safety measures on the A1079 between York and Hull.

Residents in Market Weighton, backed by a new local political party and the region’s MP, say moves to introduce a roundabout at the junction of the A1079 and Holme Road must be stepped up after branding the stretch of the route “a death trap”.

Earlier this month, 37-year-old Simon Parker, from Bolton Percy, near York, died when his motorbike was involved in a collision at the junction, and campaigners say its complicated layout and the 60mph speed limit are a threat to lives.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council says a roundabout will be included in a new development planned for the area, but residents fear more accidents will happen before that arrives.

Market Weighton resident Jackie Neeves-Redpath, 46, who started the petition, said: “People are shocked there is no roundabout already, so we’re trying to force some action.

“Speed cameras are just not working and the recent death has brought the dangers back into focus. Even if there is no roundabout, the limit should be reduced to 40mph – it’s a ridiculous situation.”

Market Weighton mayor Peter Hemmerman, a member of the recently-formed East Yorkshire Independent Party, said: “We cannot afford to wait any longer for a developer to stump up the cash for a roundabout, because lives are at stake.

“The staggered junction causes confusion, there is a history of accidents, and I am sure the council could dip into the budget they have for road safety.”

The road also claimed two lives in 2009, when pensioners Audrey Prince and Nona Diane Clark died within weeks of each other following crashes at Barmby Moor and Wilberfoss.

At the time, East Yorkshire MP Greg Knight said urgent safety improvements were needed – he now says he will raise the issue again with Transport Minister Keith Brown.

A council spokesman said: “The council’s planning committee has approved a development including housing and a doctor’s surgery which includes provision, at the developer’s expense, of a new roundabout at the junction. This is subject to the landowners’ agreement.”

He said work in 2005 refreshed the layout, and speed cameras had also been introduced.

“The accident rate has significantly reduced at this location, notwithstanding the accident earlier this month,” he said.


York Press: The Press - Comment

Time for action over main road

CONSIDERING that it is the main road linking two major cities – York and Hull – the A1079 is pitiably inadequate. It is also dangerous.

The road claimed the lives of two pensioners in 2009. Audrey Prince and Nona Diane Clark died within weeks of each other following crashes at Barmby Moor and Wilberfoss.

Then, earlier this month, motorcyclist Simon Parker, from Bolton Percy, died in an accident at the junction of the A1079 and Holme Road, on the outskirts of Market Weighton.

The town’s people have branded that stretch of the road a “death trap”. And more than 500 have put their names to a petition calling for a roundabout at the junction.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council insists a roundabout will be built as part of a new development planned for the area. But locals fear more accidents could happen before it is in place – and want the council to bring the improvements forward.

This is by no means the only part of this road that is a hazard, however. Lighting on much of the A1079 where it bypasses Pocklington is poor, making it difficult after dark to judge where turn-offs open. And in 2009, following the deaths of Mrs Prince and Mrs Clark at Barmby Moor and Wilberfoss, East Yorkshire MP Greg Knight said urgent safety improvements were needed to the road.

He has now pledged to raise the issue again with Transport Minister Keith Brown.

We know finances are tight. But this road has claimed too many lives already. It is time for action to make it fit for purpose – and safe to use.

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