THIRSK MP Kevin Hollinrake says he is delighted that a stretch of the York outer ring road is set to become a dual carriageway to ease motoring misery.

The A1237 ring road is notorious for congestion, particularly on the approach to the A64 out to the east coast.

This week the Secretary of State, Chris Grayling, announced a major road network upgrade in his conference speech and revealed that the York ring road is one of five schemes to get the go-ahead.

It is understood that the plans will include turning part of the ring road into a dual carriageway, although the exact details will not be known until next spring.

Mr Hollinrake said: “This is very good news for everyone using the often very busy and congested road and follows years of campaigning.

“It will certainly ease the pressure for drivers heading towards the A64 to Malton and Scarborough where traffic is also often very slow or at a standstill during busy periods.

“I shall, of course, continue to keep up the pressure on Highways England and ministers for the extra funding we need for the A64 improvements between Hopgrove and Barton Hill.

“I expect the preferred route for this dual carriageway to be announced next summer (2019) following a six-week consultation starting this autumn, with work on course to commence in 2022.”