COMMUTERS in York faced long delays yesterday when a broken-down car blocked a road already hit by roadworks.

The vehicle blocked a lane under Lendal Arch, making life difficult for drivers trying to head north over Lendal Bridge. It was reported before 9am, and by the time it was cleared after 10am queues stretched past the railway station, along Blossom Street and down Nunnery Lane, into Bishopthorpe Road and towards Acomb. Drivers were warned that it would take more time before congestion cleared. Bus company First York also warned several of its services were delayed in the “gridlock”.

Travellers had already been warned to expect “significant disruption” around Lendal Arch because of major roadworks, which began on January 22. City of York Council’s assistant director for transport, James Gilchrist, said they had scheduled the works for a quiet time of year, and added that they were working to coordinate with utility works around Piccadilly and Pavement.

However, he warned that delays may increase in coming weeks as the works move on to a second phase and restrict the road to a single lane of traffic from the station to the bridge.

Mr Gilchrist added: “We urge road users to take care through the road works as the traffic management layout will change and delays may increase. We are also advising motorists to plan their journeys, or use public transport where possible.

“I would like to thank residents for taking this approach as this has helped to significantly reduce congestion in the area and speed up journey times throughout the first phase of the works.”