Calls for improvements to the A64 are not a recent phenomenon. The region has been waiting decades, some even say over a century for the road to be upgraded.

Instead of giving Yorkshire what it needs, the Government has followed in the footsteps of its predecessors and delivered yet more disappointment for the region, confirming that no central Government funding will be made available for the dualling of the A64 for at least another five years.

This isn’t just some side road but a major arterial route connecting Leeds, York and Scarborough.

In a region that suffers from poor public transport links, roads are a necessity. And snubbing the A64 again is a major oversight.

An illustration of holidaymakers stuck on the A64. Illustration: Graeme Bandeira

placeholder image — An illustration of holidaymakers stuck on the A64. Illustration: Graeme Bandeira

To many it will look like a betrayal when the Government has announced a £27bn five-year investment plan for major roads and motorways across the country.

This includes funding for the dualling of the A66 between Cumbria and North Yorkshire, which is to be welcomed.

However, the A64 has once again been overlooked with 16 other schemes getting funding.

Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood, who is also the Labour MP for Wakefield and Rothwell, says that the Government will be “working with local leaders” to see what can be done to improve the A64, But as Kevin Hollinrake, Conservative MP for Thirsk and Malton, says the budgets of local leaders are tight and for meaningful upgrades to be delivered, it needs central Government funding.

As people plan their Easter getaway, those hoping to make the most of Yorkshire's glorious coast and who need to navigate the A64 will be dreading the drive.

The road has also become dangerous. Adding weight to the argument that dualling is a necessity.