A STUDY investigating problems on a tricky road route has begun.

Police figures show that, on average, there is an incident involving heavy goods vehicles on Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, every other day.

The narrow width of the road and the steep 1-in-4 gradient mean lorry breakdowns cause major delays when police shut the road to remove obstructions.

The problem has prompted North Yorkshire County Council to join forces with North Yorkshire Police and transport associations to carry out a study.

Coun Peter Sowray, the council's executive member for environmental services, said: "Incidents involving HGVs on Sutton Bank include breakdown, insecure loads and diesel spills.

"The results of the surveys should help identify the issues that contribute to breakdowns on the bank, and help us assess a range of potential measures, including more effective signing to inform drivers of the potential difficulties and how best to negotiate the bank."

The scenic route on the A170, which has a hairpin bend, is popular throughout the year with tourists as a link to the North York Moors and the east coast.

Some tests have already been carried out while the bank was closed for routine maintenance and results will be passed on to hauliers.