CALLS have been made for a road to be upgraded to a dual carriageway after five people were hurt in a head-on crash.

A blue Mazda 626 and a blue Peugeot 106 collided at the Barton crossroads on the A64, between York and Malton, on Thursday, at 4.50pm.

The 20-year-old female driver of the Peugeot suffered chest injuries and a broken nose.

The 60-old male driver of the Mazda had to be cut free by firefighters. His front passenger, also 60, suffered cuts to his head.

Two women, also in their 60s, were travelling in the back of the car. One sustained pelvic injuries and a broken wrist and the other suffered chest, back and rib injuries. All five were taken to York District Hospital.

Last week, a man died and a woman was seriously injured when the car she was driving was trapped under a lorry.

Local councillors have called for the road to be made into a dual carriageway, despite Transport Minister David Jamieson saying he would prefer low-cost improvements to the road.

The Highways Agency says that dualling would cost an estimated £550m, and £220m for partial dualling.

County councillor Murray Naylor said delays in dualing tghe road were reprehensible.