Emergency roadworks on one of the busiest routes in to the centre of York are causing added delays for motorists.

Some drivers have reported that temporary traffic lights at the junction of Burton Stone Lane and Bootham have not been functioning properly, compounding the road misery.

Yorkshire Water engineers are working to repair a collapsed sewer at the busy junction and have closed Burton Stone Lane at the Bootham end.

The works come as City of York Council embarks on a substantial programme of works on the A19 near Clifton Green to replace worn-out carriageway and put in new traffic signals.

A Yorkshire Water spokeswoman said today that the "vital work" could take up to two weeks to complete and apologised for any added delays. She said: "The work follows on from a scheme last month, when essential sewer maintenance was carried out in the area."

A spokesman for City of York Council said no complaints had been received regarding faults with the temporary lights. He urged drivers urged to avoid the area, if possible, until the works had been completed.

Updated: 16:03 Tuesday, March 11, 2003