(Image: Supplied)
Calls for improved road safety have intensified after another crash at a junction where a teenager lost her life less than a year ago.
The crash, which involved two vehicles, happened at the Toulston Lane junction with Rudgate, close to Tadcaster Grammar School, at 12.06pm on Sunday (October 18).
It comes less than a year after the same junction claimed the life of 16-year-old Eleanor Hague on December 1, 2025.
The incident has caused concern among those in the Tadcaster community.
North Yorkshire Councillor Kirsty Poskitt, who represents the Tadcaster division, said: “It’s horrible. As a resident and user of the road, I am incredibly sad that another crash has happened at that junction.
“We all think of Ellie often and the impact that this has had on her family.”
North Yorkshire Council executive Karl Battersby confirmed that North Yorkshire Police had launched an investigation into the crash.
He said that the area had been subject to “significant” safety improvements, which included new signs and “high-profile” road markings, warning drivers to slow down when approaching the junction.
He added: “A 30mph limit is also being planned and is set to be introduced early next year. Locally these improvements have been very much welcomed.
“A police investigation is currently underway into the crash so it wouldn't be appropriate to say more at this stage.”
The junction is located half a kilometre from Tadcaster Grammar School.
Social media commenters argued that the road needed additional road safety measures, including stop signs at the junction, speed bumps close to the school and traffic lights to slow down and alert drivers.
One comment read: “Essentially, it’s a poorly designed junction.
“I pass frequently and the left turn is too sharp, meaning vehicles emerging from the junction to turn struggle to keep to the correct side of the narrow road.”
Another added: “The road needs stop signs.
“Turning left towards the school forces you into the middle of the road. I use this junction every day and always cover my breaks.
“The speed limit needs reducing.”
A spokesperson for Tadcaster Grammar School said: “We are aware of a recent incident over the weekend on the junction of Toulston Lane and Rudgate.
“We would like to make it clear that there is no information to suggest that this involved any members of the Tadcaster Grammar School community.
“We continue to work in partnership with the council, police and other agencies as they introduce new safety measures on this area of the road.”
Sir Alec Shelbrooke, Wetherby and Easingwold's MP, said he had met with North Yorkshire Council officials to discuss safety improvements at the location following the fatal crash on December 1, 2025.
He said: “My thoughts are with those involved in this latest incident.
"After the tragic death of Eleanor Hague in December, I met with North Yorkshire Council's Highways Department and local stakeholders to discuss the junction.
“The council has now delivered some improvements, with further changes due to be implemented next year.
"This latest incident will need to be investigated by the police and any findings passed on to the council to assess whether further safety works are required."