Long queues on A64 from Copmanthorpe to Tadcaster

One lane is closed on the A64 westbound and the resulting traffic jam stretches from the Copmanthorpe junction to the eastern Tadcaster A659 turn-off.

Traffic bosses estimate it is taking motorists 40 minutes to get through the hold-up, which they say was caused by a crash.

Many motorists are using side roads to try and avoid the queues including narrow roads through small villages that are getting congested.

National Highways, which is in charge of the A64 estimates the delays are likely to last for another three hours and traffic not to return to normal until after 10pm.