AS many as 133 lives could be saved over the next three decades, following proposals to upgrade two stretches of the A66 trunk road to dual carriageway in separate schemes totalling £11.7m.

The figures were given at the start of public inquiries into the plan, which features a 3.8-mile stretch between Carkin Moor and Scotch Corner, and a 2.9-mile stretch between Stephen Bank and Greta Bridge, near Barnard Castle, which could start as early as spring 2005.

The inquiries, conducted by inspector Robin Shercliff, are running parallel as, in theory rather than probability, one stretch could go ahead without the implementation of the other.

Opening the proceedings was Paul Tucker, counsel for the Highways Agency. He pointed out that, although there were more than 100 objections to the schemes, it was a startling feature that only one objector had sought to contend that the road remain as it is.

"There is overwhelming support for the principles underlying the two schemes," he said. "And while there are a number of objections, almost nobody suggested that there should be no scheme at all. Most who object are actively supportive of the improvements, but wish to see amendments."

He told how the Highways Agency was heartened by support from the police, the local and county authorities affected, the regional assembly, the public and representatives of industry, especially haulage.

Mr Tucker told how a study had revealed that, while the number of accidents was pretty much what could be expected, the severity of those accidents was three times the national average. In the five years from 1996-2000, there were 34 personal injury accidents on the Carkin Moor to Scotch Corner stretch, of which 13 were serious or fatal. For the same period at Greta Bridge to Stephen Bank, there were 15 accidents, eight of which involved fatalities or serious injury.

He anticipated the two schemes would save up to 133 serious or fatal casualties in the next 30 years, feeling it was little wonder that they had such widespread support.

Many objections were from those living and working alongside the road.

But Mr Tucker said while keen to ensure their businesses or access were not adversely affected, they did not question what lay behind the schemes.

Other objectors hoped to see more of the road made into dual carriageway, some from Scotch Corner to Keswick, while others wished the section between the two schemes made into dual carriageway. But Mr Tucker said it would not be responsible of the agency to delay the implementation of the schemes in order to allow other parts of the A66 to "catch up."

"A delay of a year or two in these schemes will almost inevitably result in further serious injuries or lives lost," he added.