AN MP is calling for immediate action to improve safety for pedestrians crossing the A64 after four people have been killed trying to cross the road in recent weeks.

Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake recently held a meeting with Highways England, where he stressed the level of concern felt by people living near accident blackspots on the major road.

More than 100 residents attended a meeting in Welburn Village Hall last week, after the death of another two pedestrians, a man and a woman in their fifties, were killed trying to cross the A64 near the Welburn junction after getting off a bus.

The tragedy happened just weeks after couple Dave Tinker, 50 and Julie Gough, 52, were killed when they were hit by a minibus crossing the A64 at nearby Crambeck where they lived.

In response, Highways England told Mr Hollinrake that it would now become a priority in their road safety plans for the A64.

Mr Hollinrake had invited representatives from both North Yorkshire Police and Highways England to his office.

Also present were Councillor Caroline Goodrick and two members of the MP’s staff, all three had attended a public meeting held in Welburn earlier in the week. They passed on the fears expressed by the community and the various ideas that those present had put forward to help keep pedestrians safe.

Kevin Hollinrake urged Highways England to implement appropriate short term measures as soon as possible. Constituents are encouraged to continue to contact the MP with their thoughts and he intends to hold further meetings on this urgent matter.

“Local residents need to know something is happening now,” he said.

“There needs to be both short and long term plans. There is an insistence for an immediate response to improve safety after these tragic deaths.

“I want to work with the community and relevant authorities to bring about swift changes to prevent any further loss of life of pedestrians along the A64.”