THE number of minor crashes on the A64 in North Yorkshire during 2017 was significantly lower than previous years, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

Figures from North Yorkshire Police show there were 59 collisions on the road in the county last year - four fatal, 15 serious and 40 minor crashes.

But in 2016, there were 104 crashes, three of which were fatal, 16 serious and 85 minor.

Assistant chief constable Amanda Oliver praised the force’s fleet of vans with cameras for helping to improve road safety and said the force would continue working with 95 Alive York and road safety partners on education and enforcement.

She said: “The A64 has been identified as a priority route for road safety enforcement by North Yorkshire Police, due to the number of serious and fatal collisions experienced.

“However, we are pleased to see the positive impact and influence that our mobile safety camera vans are having on the majority of driver behaviour and the reduction in the number of speed, seatbelt and mobile phone offences being recorded.

“The loss of a loved one due to a road collision has a devastating and traumatic effect on families.”

There was just one fatal collision in 2015, but 23 serious and 71 minor crashes.

In 2014, there were six fatal, 17 serious and 78 minor collisions, while in 2013 there were two fatal, 19 serious and 82 minor crashes.

Among the fatal collisions last year was a crash in which couple - Julie Gough, 52, and Dave Tinker, 50, both of Crambeck - were killed whilst crossing the A64 on May 13.

Another couple, Charles McLaughlin, 53, and his wife Judith, 58, were killed in a collision on June 23 crossing the same road near the junction to Welburn.

Last month, The Press reported that the A64 could soon be the first road in North Yorkshire to have fixed speed cameras.

Highways England is carrying out a feasibility study to look at the potential for average speed cameras.

ACC Oliver said: “If average cameras were approved, we would welcome the opportunity for our mobile safety camera fleet to work alongside those cameras, to enable us and our partners to further improve the safety for all the road users of North Yorkshire.”

A Highways England spokesman said: “We are still in the very early stages of this [feasibility study] and are working closely with North Yorkshire Police and the 95 Alive Steering Group.”

Commenting on the reduction in crashes on the A64, a spokesman said: “We continually monitor safety across our road network to identify where improvements are needed.

“Work is currently taking place at the Barton Hill junction to convert the crossroads to a staggered junction, improving visibility and safety at the junction with Mains Lane. We have also carried out various other improvements along the route including resurfacing, barrier renewal schemes, road markings and general maintenance.”

Highways England said official figures for collisions on the A64 in 2017 will not be validated until later this year.