WE must avoid the temptation to pre-judge the cause of the collision which cost two lives on the A69 at Melkridge.

It is only right that the police complete a full investigation and that the coroner delivers his verdict on the circumstances.

However, the delay in the conclusion of their inquiries must not deter us from pressing the case for improvements to be made to this road.

Indeed, the tragedy must spur us all to make the case with even more noise and conviction.

The mixture of single and dual carriageway along the A69 is a deadly cocktail.

In this column, two weeks’ ago we said cost must not be the factor which determines whether or not dualling goes ahead. Preservation of lives must come before austerity.

We urge the Government to make a commitment to make the A69 a dual carriageway along its entire length between Newcastle and Carlisle.

The economic case for the investment is sound. The road safety case is overwhelming.