North Yorkshire County Council has apologised for the temporary traffic lights at a key junction in Malton.

The lights, which are working one junction at time have been causing a number of hold-ups, made worse by the A64 closure at Rillington.

Richard Marr, Highways Area Manager, said: “Temporary traffic lights are in place at Butcher Corner after a routine safety inspection found concerns around the stability of one of the existing traffic light poles.

“Unfortunately this installation of the temporary signals is earlier than we intended for the improvement scheme. These traffic lights will be in place until the new installation is complete which we expect to be at the beginning of September.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this is causing and ask the public for their patience.”

The Butcher Corner junction is undergoing a number of improvement works including new traffic lights, a full resurfacing and improvements to the pedestrian crossings.

An early right turn filter arrow will also be introduced on the Castlegate approach to the junction.

Mr Marr added: “The Butcher Corner upgrade is the first step in delivering our plan to tackle traffic congestion in Malton and Norton.

“The new traffic lights will adjust the sequence in real-time based on the number of approaching vehicles, reducing waiting times, cutting queues and helping the environment.

“Residents will be particularly pleased to finally see we’re delivering the right turn arrow from Castlegate. This will allow traffic from Norton to turn more easily into Old Maltongate, something that is very difficult to do at present.”

“Highways teams began the overnight work in June. It will be carried out under phased partial road closures between 7.30pm and 5am for seven weeks with traffic lights in operation.

“Vehicle access to properties will be restricted at times and will not be permitted during the resurfacing period, but residents will be notified of these dates nearer the time. Access for the emergency services will always be permitted and access to businesses will not be affected.