Motorists had to endure traffic chaos in and around Tadcaster after an incident closed the A64 at lunchtime.

Diversions were in force for hours between the A162 junction on the Tadcaster bypass and the A1(M) A64 junction at Bramham crossroads.

Traffic jams  built up on the A64 eastbound carriageway for more than a mile and from the A1(M) to Tadcaster, as well as in Tadcaster itself and on the A162 south of the town.

Motorists were delayed for up to half an hour. 

At 3pm the A64 eastbound carriageway  reopened but the A64 is still closed between the A162 and the A1M but it was only later that the westbound carriageway reopened and the jams cleared.