AN MP is pressing Ministers to finally agree road improvements to the A64 north of York, after the Highways Agency halted plans for a new bus station on safety grounds.

John Greenway, pictured, said it was time to consider upgrading the road or widening it into a dual carriageway, after proposals for a coach depot and Park&Ride scheme near Stockton-on-the-Forest were called off amid road safety fears.

The Highways Agency directed a City of York Council planning committtee to refuse the application.

But Yorkshire Coastliner Ltd withdrew its proposals, amid concerns road safety problems may scupper any development close to the busy A64.

Mr Greenway, the Tory MP for Ryedale, who has long called for improvements to the road between York and Scarborough, said: "The problem is not the site, but the state of the road. It is a previously developed site within the greenbelt which is appropriate - but the road is dangerous.

"People coming out of the site and wanting to turn right are pulling right out into busy traffic. One option would be to build a roundabout at the Hazelbush with a link road to the site, but we also need to upgrade the road for the amount of traffic now using it.

"In the long run, the road may have to become a dual carriageway, and I have discussed this with the Roads Minister, Stephen Ladyman."

A Department for Transport spokesman said it was currently considering the recommendations of the regional transport board, which "may include dualling of the A64" and "decisions will be made on the priorities in the spring".

Plans for the new £1million bus station would have allowed Coastliner to offer frequent, 15-minute interval services, between Leeds, York and the east coast.

The company said its current home in Railway Street, Malton, is too small for its 63 staff and 21 buses, and wanted to expand.

The company wanted to set up the UK's first "sub-regional" Park&Ride, allowing drivers to leave their cars and take a bus to Leeds, Scarborough, Whitby or Bridlington.

Coun Anne Reid, York council's executive member for planning and transport, said: "I was not at the meeting, but I understand the Highways Agency issued a notice which always means that we don't have any option but to refuse the application.

"As it was, the applicant decided to withdraw the application anyway so the scheme was never discussed. I don't know what they plan to do now."

Development control officer Darren Hendley said the Highways Agency had directed the council to refuse plans because "the proposed development access arrangement" would generate too much traffic.

Updated: 11:17 Saturday, February 11, 2006