Objectors have - as feared - forced a public inquiry into the proposed Bilbrough Top flyover.

It is set to take place in September, although a precise date and venue have not yet been fixed.

The inquiry means the flyover on the A64 between York and Tadcaster cannot be completed until 2004, delaying the closure of a dangerous gap in the central reservation where numerous accidents have happened.

News of the inquiry came in an email from Highways Agency chief Peter Moffatt to the aunt of Jamie Sanders, the 16-year-old who was killed near Bilbrough Top while crossing the dual carriageway in January. Mr Moffatt also confirmed that there was no chance of speed restrictions and cameras being introduced to reduce the risk of accidents until the flyover is built.

He said: "We have undertaken speed surveys and have discussed the results and the possible introduction of a lower speed limit and speed cameras with the police.

"As a result of these discussions, we have agreed with the police

that, given the circumstances and the existing traffic speeds, these

measures will not be introduced at this time."

Mr Moffatt said some smaller-scale measures were planned this summer to make the road safer.

"This scheme will include improved signing, changes to kerb lines in the vicinity of Colton Lane and the installation of a crossing point for pedestrians. Other small changes are being considered."

His letter came as a motorist wrote to the Evening Press to express his concern about Bilbrough Top, branding it one of the "most scary" sections of road in Britain and calling for speed cameras to be installed.

Mike Skelton said: "I use that part of the A64 daily. I do some 40,000 miles a year business motoring and as such have used most of the major routes in the UK.

"Bilborough is, and particularly so between 7am and 9am and 4pm and 7pm, one of the most scary sections of road that I know.

"I have seen (and in one case only just avoided) numerous accidents at this cross-over.

"I can say for sure that no amount of signs, lines, markings or whatever will resolve this, people do not take notice either through stupidity or simply not reacting fast enough to warnings.

"A 50mph limit will not work unless it is accompanied by some sort of routine enforcement such as cameras.

"Best of all, why can't what must be a relatively small amount of money be expended on simply shutting the crossing."

But the agency has consistently ruled out gap closure

until the flyover is built.

Updated: 11:23 Wednesday, June 06, 2001