FRUSTRATED motorists desperate to avoid the grid-locked A64 on York's outskirts are using local villages as a "rat run", residents said today.

The work to remove controversial traffic lights on the A64 at Copmanthorpe has already caused seven-mile tailbacks and tripled journey times to work.

Now people living in Copmanthorpe and Bishopthorpe say motorists are cutting through the villages along Copmanthorpe Lane and Sim Balk Lane to speed up their journey times to York.

They claim the extra traffic presents a danger to local schoolchildren.

The Highways Agency is replacing the traffic lights at Copmanthorpe with an underpass beneath the dual carriageway - but the project will last 60 weeks.

"The situation is horrendous and can only get worse", said Coun John Galvin, who represents Copmanthorpe and Bishopthorpe.

"The villages are completely gridlocked in the morning."

Coun Galvin is now urging City of York Council's highways department to fast-track separate traffic calming measures which have been planned for Bishopthorpe.

He said: "Everything must now be done to get this scheme under way with the emphasis on child safety. At peak times, when children are going to or coming from school, their safety is of paramount importance.

"No child's life should be put in danger as a result of these roadworks."

Bishopthorpe villager Brian Mellors added: "We can't stop people driving through here but we urge them to take care when doing so."

Meanwhile, a spokesman for AA Roadwatch said the situation had improved since yesterday, with three-mile tailbacks eastbound on the A64 and two miles westbound during today's morning rush hour.

Several parts of York city centre were also heavily congested today, including Fishergate and Heslington Road.

Yesterday, tea-time tailbacks were three miles long in both directions of the A64.

Tadcaster Road and the A1237 York Outer Ring Road also suffered heavy congestion as commuters tried to get home.

The spokesman said: "The traffic is still very heavy on the A64, but it seems to be easing off a little as motorists get used to it and change their setting-off times."

Sergeant Dave Sutcliffe, of North Yorkshire police traffic section, said: "It's a very difficult time and we ask for people's patience and goodwill.

"The situation could be improved if motorists alternated their times to and from work where possible."

Updated: 11:15 Tuesday, September 11, 2001