Congestion-busting plans for a £1.5 million roundabout today got Government backing.

The Department for Transport, Environment and the Regions announced £500,000 to be spent on the junction of the A19 and A1237 at Rawcliffe. The remaining money will be found by City of York Council.

The scheme, currently the subject of public consultation by the council, could begin after Christmas if councillors give it the go-ahead.

It is proposed as a method of relieving congestion at the existing roundabout by enlarging it and introduce two-lane entry.

It would give dedicated access to the new Rawcliffe Bar Park and Ride site.

Bill Woolley, the council's assistant director of environment and development services, said: "The benefits of increasing the size of this roundabout on one of the busiest junctions in the city are numerous and include reducing traffic queues and pollution around the area."

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