A DALES road notorious for crashes has been earmarked for new safety measures and residents are being asked their opinion.

The key A684 route through the Yorkshire Dales is one of the 50 national A-roads identified by the government as being a high risk for serious crashes.

North Yorkshire County Council is now consulting on plans for a series of works to be financed by the government’s Safer Roads Fund allocated for those high risk roads.

The proposals include several measures for Hawes town centre, including a new footway, new parking arrangements, a new signal crossing at the junction of the A684 and The Hill, removing or changing the one-way system and introducing new signals.

In Leyburn, a new mini roundabout could be installed at the junction of the A684 and Brentwood and changes made to the High Street roundabout.

There would also be improvements made to laybys at locations including Leyburn, Middleham, Crakehall, Wensleydale and Yordale.

The proposals follow a successful bid for funding from the Department for Transport.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, said: “The A684 is a vital route for residents, businesses and visitors, as it provides a gateway to the Dales and an important east to west connection for the county. "We need to move ahead with the consultations on these proposals now, because delay could put our funding at risk.

“Under normal circumstances as part of a consultation such as this we would hold public events at which people could view the proposals, comment and ask questions.

"Unfortunately, that is not practical given the restrictions in place to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

“However, we are very keen for all members of the public to have the opportunity to have their say.

"As well as creating a dedicated web page where people can read details of all the proposals and give their views, we have also arranged for plans to be displayed at Hawes Community Office and the Co-op and Market Shelter in Leyburn.”

In addition, consultations packs are being sent to residents and businesses around the locations of the proposals in Hawes and Leyburn.

Take part online at northyorks.gov.uk/safer-roads-fund