SO the closure of the Bilbrough Top gap on the A64 and the building of a flyover has been delayed by yet more bureaucracy (August 21). It is beyond belief that the highways authorities cannot properly estimate the cost of a simple flyover - building such a structure isn't exactly rocket science.

The records show that the Bilbrough Top gap is lethal - even in its modified form. As anyone who has tried to cross the A64 here will testify, the bends in the dual carriageway either side of the gap make it difficult to see approaching traffic and to judge its speed, even if that traffic only consists of cars.

Add lorries, vans, caravans and tractors and regular serious accidents become a certainty - especially considering the complexity of the junction layout and high-speed traffic in all four approach lanes. And it's all infinitely worse at night.

The police and the local community should insist that the gap is closed now. No doubt the businesses located on the south side of the junction would then quickly ensure that the flyover is built.

Robin Jenkins,

Main Street,

Appleton Roebuck,

York.

...I USE the A64 and have experienced some near misses. Closing the gap in the A64 would help reduce my fear that, one day, a known accident black-spot will cause my death, leaving a widow and two small children without a father.

I find it ridiculous when cost is given as an excuse, for two reasons.

Firstly, there is still a cost associated by not doing anything - the cost of dealing with an accident (rescue services: police, ambulance, fire) and any subsequent costs (hospital treatment). To be brutally economic, if my death is prevented, I'll continue to earn money and pay taxes.

Secondly, it makes me feel that my life is only worth so much. I trust that the decision makers would be prepared to personally give this explanation to my children, if, heaven forbid, the need arises. If not then I would strongly urge them to consider doing all they can to remove this known accident blackspot.

N Ward,

Westfield Lane,

Upper Poppleton, York.

...REGARDING your Bilborough Top campaign, I use the Tadcaster Road several times a week and feel that the danger could be reduced, until the junction is altered, by having a 50 mph speed restriction for a mile either side of the crossing.

An electric sign telling the speed of the vehicle as it approaches the crossing would warn of excess speed and could save lives.

J F Keller,

Broadway West, Fulford, York.

...YOUR Bilbrough Top Close The Gaps campaign is a matter of life or death for some poor souls using the A64. The only solution I have not seen mentioned so far is a roundabout. This would reduce the 80-90mph types and allow all traffic to negotiate the direction desired. Cost would be greatly reduced and much more quickly built.

Fred Evans,

East Lane,

Shipton-by-Beningbrough, York.

Updated: 10:12 Thursday, September 04, 2003