MOTORISTS were today hit by major tailbacks on the A64 near York as the traffic system on the road was altered in time for the Easter weekend.

Seven-mile queues were reported as the notorious contraflow system on roadworks at Copmanthorpe was replaced by single-lane operating.

The problems came as rail passengers in North Yorkshire were hit by another round of industrial action. Station and clerical staff at Arriva Trains Northern began a 48-hour strike in protest at a management pay offer. Tomorrow they will be joined by conductors also striking in protest at pay and conditions.

The action will involve nearly 1,000 staff over the two days of disputes. An Arriva spokeswoman said the company hoped to run 55 per cent of its services during tomorrow's conductor strike.

The RMT union claimed today that rail commuters were getting free travel because of the station staff strike.

A spokesman said many ticket offices were shut - allowing thousands of commuters to travel free.

Stan Herschel, RMT regional organiser, said:"On some of the busiest routes, such as York to Leeds, it is my understanding that they (Arriva) will not be taking any revenue."

Traffic in the York area is expected to worsen as visitors descend on the city over the long Easter weekend. Tourism chiefs are already reporting that the city is nearly full.

Peter Edwards, commercial manager of First York, said bus drivers had noticed particular problems throughout the city last night.

He said: "We were aware of a significant problem on the A64, and there was something of a knock-on effect."

A spokeswoman for the Highways Agency said there had been disruption over the past couple of days but it would be eased by tomorrow.

She said: "There is some delay on the A64 which is due to taking out the contraflow and putting in single lane running at Copmanthorpe."

Julie Hurley, City of York Council's principal engineer for traffic, said minor roadworks throughout the city may also cause problems, but they would not be in place over Easter.

She said: "There's a little bit of disruption because of some gas works on Huntington Road. But the traffic is definitely lighter this week because of the schoolchildren being off."

Work on the M1 between junctions 34 and 35, and at Junction 32 of the M62 will be halted over the holiday period to ease congestion.

Motorists are being warned to check their route with the AA or RAC, listen to the radio for traffic updates and avoid peak travelling times.

Updated: 15:13 Wednesday, March 27, 2002