LABOUR have vowed to invest in York's outer ring road if they win control of the city.

Councillors and candidates met with Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman yesterday, at the junction of the A59 and A1237, to view congestion.

Tracey Simpson-Laing, York Labour's transport spokesperson said, had they been in power, an A59 Park&Ride site would be up and running now, and the roundabout would have been improved.

She said: "The combined measures would have radically diminished congestion at the junction and traffic down Boroughbridge Road into the city centre."

Coun Simpson-Laing said: "It is clear that we need to do substantially more to respond to the continued rapid rise in car ownership and usage, and the increasing congestion and journey times that is bringing."

Mr Ladyman said: "Considering the congestion problems we've discussed, Labour's case for a major upgrading of the northern ring road linked to removing traffic from the centre of York is strong."

Labour leader Dave Merrett said: "This meeting was highly productive, especially discussing the possibility of Government funding for York's outer ring road. Local Labour is committed to a city that has reliable road, bus, cycle and pedestrian services allowing residents to move easily and sustainably across the city, be it for work, socialising, entertainment, and shopping. We will not compromise on this ambitious goal."