ANGRY motorists were today left fuming as seven-mile tailbacks resulted from work to remove controversial traffic lights on York's outskirts.

The lights on the A64 at Copmanthorpe have seen a number of deaths in car crashes since they were built in 1981.

The Highways Agency is replacing them with an underpass under the dual carriageway - but the project will last 60 WEEKS.

The entire eastbound side of the road was shut today, with a contraflow in place on the westbound side.

But on day one of the work's first stage - which is due to go on until December 20 - furious motorists reported their journeys to work doubling or trebling in length.

The seven-mile tailbacks built up during morning rush hour on the eastbound side, with jams also several miles long westbound.

By midday, the AA described eastbound traffic as "very heavy", and said there was a one-mile tailback westbound.

Angus King, who works at Boston Spa, near Wetherby, said his usual 30-minute journey from Thorganby took more than an hour.

"It's unbelievable," he said. "Why couldn't they leave the road relatively open during peak hours and work during the day or when it is less busy?

"This has caused problems with our workload this morning and looks set to continue to do so as staff struggle to get here every day.

"I have made a complaint to the Highways Agency."

An agency spokeswoman confirmed that there had been a build-up of traffic. She appealed to drivers to find an alternative route if possible.

The spokeswoman said: "This is a busy junction on a key route, so it is inevitable that even with careful timetabling and planning there will be some delays.

"With this in mind we would appeal to drivers to avoid the area, or consider car sharing or using public transport."

A spokesman for AA Roadwatch warned motorists to expect problems.

"Though some problems are to be expected for the duration of the work, the first few days are always the worst.

"After that, some motorists will make other arrangements."

The Highways Agency spokeswoman also warned pedestrians and cyclists not to risk their safety by making their way across the two lanes of traffic towards York.

Paul Hepworth, of the Cyclists Touring Club, said cyclists had no other option.

He said: "We welcome the work that is being done at that junction - it should hugely improve pedestrian and cycle links between Copmanthorpe, York and Selby.

"But perhaps the Highways Agency could be persuaded to make some form of cycle access to York possible while it is under way."

The full programme of work is expected to last until next summer

Updated: 15:33 Monday, September 10, 2001