A LONE campaigner against dualling of the A66 trans-Pennine route has sent further comments to a public inquiry following the latest fatal accident on the road.

Dr Kevin Connolly, of Aldbrough St John, fears dualling will not prevent the sort of accident in which a woman motorist died two weeks ago.

Nicola Dawson-Smith, aged 33, of Richmond, was killed when her car was in collision with a lorry as she crossed the A66 near Melsonby.

Dr Connolly, who has already submitted his concerns about the proposed dualling, wrote again to the government inspectorate following the crash.

"This sort of situation would in no way be improved by the proposed dualling. In fact, it would be made worse," he said. "It is not right to make a dual carriageway without grade separation as well."

If the work went ahead, motorists would have to cross four lanes of traffic instead of the current two and vehicles would be travelling at about 80mph compared to the current 60 or 65mph, he added.

Dr Connolly favoured a flyover or roundabout at Winston crossroads, just west of the Melsonby turning, with drivers compelled to use that route as the main A66 junction for the area. The Melsonby and Gilling West junctions should be for turning left only, he said.

"The inquiry is coming up and I think I am the only person who objected on these grounds," said Dr Connolly.