A STRETCH of road notorious for car crashes is set to have safety measures introduced following concerns from residents.

Already this year the A168 has been the scene of several collisions, including a three-vehicle crash this week at Thornton-le-Moor.

The single-lane road is a main route linking Northallerton and Thirsk to the A1 in the south but concerns have been raised locally about its safety.

North Yorkshire County Council’s highways team is now set to introduce a range of measures to address these concerns, particularly around the stretch near Thornton-le-Street.

Thornton-le-Moor and Thornton-le-Street Parish Council contacted the area highway office to discuss their issues about the stretch of road and to explore options to improve safety.

The accident history of this site was examined in detail, including the investigation carried out after the death of a cyclist in October. Recommendations following that investigation were fed into the discussions between the Parish Council, and local County Councillor Robert Baker, the police and County Council highways and traffic engineers.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for highways, said: “The focus of these discussions was on increasing the awareness of Brawith Avenue junction.

“As a result of this united approach, a number of actions have been agreed with a view to enhancing safety.”

It was agreed the area highway office will increase the size of the northbound and southbound “side road ahead” warning signs and relocate the southbound warning sign.

The authority is also set to introduce a “Slow” marking adjacent to the northbound ‘side road ahead’ warning sign and replace the direction sign assembly opposite the Brawith Avenue junction.

Meanwhile, workers will clean existing signage and remove foliage obscuring any signs.

Highways officers will also look into providing hard-standing on the grass verge for a police safety camera van, which would help to increase the van’s presence in the area.

Cllr Baker welcomed the actions and the collaboration between the parish council and the highways office.

He said: “We very much welcome these safety improvements. By working together we have benefited from the technical expertise of the highway officers and the very local knowledge of the parish council.”