MAKING the entire A66 between Scotch Corner and Penrith dual carriageway has been virtually ruled out by traffic consultants as too expensive.

A draft safety study, commissioned by the Highways Agency, concluded that partial dualling, 50mph limits on some sections and junction improvements, were the best way forward.

The report, by Maunsell Transport Planning, of Leeds, forecasts that this preferred option would prevent 25 accidents in the first year of opening, 2005.

The programme would see the go-ahead of £5m dualling schemes already approved for Scotch Corner, Greta Bridge and Temple Sowerby, with two others near Bowes and Brough. Speed limits of 50mph would be imposed on some sections, and hatched lanes and islands at some junctions, including the Ravensworth crossing, near Richmond. The cost would be about £1.3m per kilometre.

Statistically, full dualling of the 79-mile route would result in only another four fewer accidents, says the report, published on Monday.

While the consultants say full dualling would be "the most effective method of reducing the accident rate", they say such a scheme would damage the environment and be too expensive. Complete dualling would cost an estimated £42.8m, while the preferred option would be £25.1m.

Other options included hatched junctions in single carriageway stretches, junction improvements along the whole length, traffic calming measures such as rumble strips, and speed limit review and enforcement.

The A66 completion group, which has campaigned for full dualling, gave the report a cautious welcome but warned the preferred option could create as many problems as it solved.

Coun Michael Heseltine, chairman, said a 4km single carriageway gap would remain between the Scotch Corner and Greta Bridge dual sections.

"The overwhelming number of serious accidents are on single carriageway stretches," said Coun Heseltine. "We felt very strongly that the difference in the cost between partial and complete dualling was insignificant when related to saving lives.

"At least something is being recommended, but it is not going the whole way to what the completion group and many others consider the only complete solution."

While the consultants said low traffic flows on the A66 meant full dualling was also not justified on economic grounds, the campaigners said the survey failed to take into account the high proportion of heavy lorries which used the road - more than 30pc, compared to 20pc on the M62. These, and slow-moving caravans and farm vehicles, meant long queues on single carriageway sections, often leading to frustration and dangerous overtaking.

"Dual carriageway is the only answer to the appalling accident rate on this road," said Coun Heseltine. "This survey ignores completely the economics of it, the benefits to Cleveland and Teesport."

The completion group is to submit its comments on the draft by the deadline of January 10. A final report is due to be published in March.

A second draft report by Maunsell on "modal" shift of freight from road to rail concluded this would mean only a 2pc reduction in traffic on the A66 and should basically be disregarded