Highways England is undertaking a detailed survey of the A64 near Crambeck where four people lost their lives last summer. Today, I met with HE representatives, Ryedale Councillor Caroline Goodrick, and local campaigners Andy and Carol Sollitt. Once this survey is completed later this year, Highways England will consider all the options to make the road safer for both pedestrians and drivers. This could include pedestrian refuges, signage and average speed cameras depending on the budget and following consultation with local people. Construction for these improvements could start in 2019.
At the inquest yesterday into the deaths of Julie Gough and David Tinker and of Judith and Charles McLaughlin who died tragically within a month of each other last summer, the Ryedale coroner, Michael Oakley, said that pedestrians had to “take their lives into their own hands” when crossing the A64; he also suggested a bridge be built to take people across. However, Highways England said the cost and timescale would make this impossible.
Highways England have said that they are looking into a rolling programme of refuges along the whole stretch of the A64, with one at Crambeck and another at Welburn taking priority, as well as the possibility of new signs and speed cameras. They also promised to keep local communities updated with progress.