CAMPAIGNERS who want to see big improvements to the York to Hull road are launching a petition asking others to back their vision.

MPs who are supporting the campaign are to lobby the Government about their proposals.

A group of interested locals have set up a campaign group called Action Access A1079 which has come up with a series of plans to improve the road.

They say the A1079 is now a major commuter route connecting the port of Hull with the tourist hotspot of York, and has a bad accident record because of the volume of traffic.

They want to see the whole road made into a dual carriageway in the long term.

Other proposals include: l Bypassing Shiptonthorpe and building a new roundabout at Holme Road l Building a relief road to join the A64 at Heslington l Making the Arrass Hill section of the road into a dual carriageway l Building a roundabout at Wilberfoss and a bypass for Kexby.

According to analysis undertaken by the group, ambulance statistics reveal there were 615 accidents on the road between 1999 and 2005 - with 103 last year alone.

Its research revealed that the evening rush-hour was the most dangerous time to travel on the road, with ten per cent of accidents happening between 5pm and 6pm. Nearly half - 40 per cent - happened between 6am and 9am, and 4pm to 7pm.

East Yorkshire MP Greg Knight told a meeting of the group in Pocklington: "If this road was to receive the amount of money I think it needs from the Government, we are looking at a high cost.

"That's a cost that would face any Government, so I don't think this is a party political thing.

"I think that cost needs to be weighed against the current costto the risk of life and limb on the road.

"The volume of traffic on it is far greater than is safe. Something needs to be done, therefore I'm with you all the way."

Now the group wants its ideas to be backed by local authorities affected by the road, including City of York Council.

They are also launching a petition asking residents to support them.