Call for review of safety barriers on Skipton bypass
Under the bridge where the car came off and where houses are proposed to be built (Image: Lesley Tate)
A COUNCILLOR has called for a review of safety barriers on the Skipton bypass after two people in their 70s died after their vehicle crashed off a bridge carrying the A629 over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and Broughton Road.
The incident, which happened on the afternoon of Saturday, October, 21, has parallels to an accident in January 2007 in which a woman was killed when the lorry she was driving left the A629 during high winds and landed in the canal below.
The lorry ploughed through a safety barrier and fell 30ft, landing upside down in a field and partly in the canal.
Recording an accidental verdict at the subsequent inquest, North Yorkshire Coroner Geoff Fell said that the fact that the curtains on the lorry had been closed was a link to the cause of the accident.
Cllr Andy Solloway, an Independent who represents Skipton West on North Yorkshire Council, has following the latest incident called for a review of the road barriers which he believes could have been in place since the bypass was built 40 years ago.
He has also raised concerns about the possible future residential use of the site, between Broughton Road and the canal, where the vehicle in the most recent incident landed after leaving the bypass.
Outline plans to build 20 houses on the site, approved in 2016, were followed with a scheme for 42 homes, refused in 2021, and another for 30 homes, refused in 2022 and now the subject of an appeal.
Cllr Solloway said: "My thoughts are with the family and friends of the people who sadly died. But, (the incident) does raise a number of issues. Firstly, were the crash barriers strong enough, and secondly, the car landed on a site which is currently with the Planning Inspectorate as an appeal. It landed where the proposed play area for the housing development is.
"This is the second vehicle which has come off the bypass at this similar location but the safety issue was highlighted when the application was first refused and then refused again. Surely some common sense and indeed compassion must prevail here."
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North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director of environment, Karl Battersby, said: “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims of this tragic accident.
“The safety of the travelling public is our key priority, and we are liaising with North Yorkshire Police as investigations are carried out.”
Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident that happened at 1.20pm on October 21 to come forward. Both the male driver and female passenger were in their 70s and from West Yorkshire. The man was declared dead at the scene and the woman died in hospital a short time later. Anyone with any information can contact TC 123 Geri Tunney at North Yorkshire Police, either via 101 or email [email protected]. Quote reference number 12230200190.