CAMPAIGNERS today made fresh calls for the York to Beverley railway to be re-opened, after the latest fatality on a major road that links the city and the market town.

George McManus, chair of the Minsters’ Rail Campaign (MRC), which has been pushing for the re-opening of the line, said people needed to tell their MPs and councillors that they wanted the railway reinstated.

Speaking about the death toll on the A1079, which links York and Beverley, Mr McManus said: “Over 100 deaths in 25 years needs to be condemned as a disgrace to our region.

“The fact is that our people have no choice when it comes to transport. Whether you’re going to work or to shop, whether you’re driving or getting the bus, you need to use this road.

“Once again, we have a fatal accident where the road turns into a dual carriageway. This proves that dualling the road would be no solution. “Our people need an alternative form of transport and that should be a new railway.

“Apart from the human tragedy, these accidents cause enormous damage to our economy and the increased congestion damages our environment.

“People need to lobby their MPs and councillors and tell them we’ve had enough. We want a choice and that should be a new railway.”

A spokesman for East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “The council is currently investigating a number of measures to improve the conditions of the A1079 including reducing congestion, improving access and road safety.

“As part of this we have commissioned a study which will consider all modes of transport on this route.”

The MRC’s call came after a 45-year-old woman from the west Hull area died when her van collided with another vehicle on the A1079 near Shiptonthorpe, at about 7.25am on Friday.

A 34-year-old man who was arrested after the accident has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.