BUSINESS leaders and motorists in Ryedale campaigning for multi-million improvements to the busy Leeds to Scarborough A64 road say that safety is their main concern.

The road forms the main link route to the Yorkshire coast, and has claimed numerous lives in accidents over the years.

Campaigners insist that it has been in need of upgrading - ideally to dual carriageway standard - for years.

They have told the Highways Agency, following a seminar on the future of the road, that work to improve its safety record is vital.

The agency is planning a ten-year route strategy for the A64, which carries heavy holiday traffic and commercial juggernauts from South and West Yorkshire to the coast.

Results of surveys carried out following the seminar include the dangerous stretch between York and Scarborough, speed differentials, and hazards at several junctions and accident blackspots.

Campaigners are calling for a long-term strategy to include making it a dual-carriageway along its full stretch, redesigning junction layouts, road widening and traffic calming.

The only dual carriageway stretches on the trunk road are at Whitwell-on-the-Hill and on the Malton bypass.

Derek Rowell, technical services director for Scarborough Borough Council, said: "There is a need for increased road capacity on the A64 to prevent economic and social decline on the Yorkshire coast."

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said: "We are very pleased with the response to the seminars.

"We received valuable feedback from a wide range of groups."