WORK is to start on two schemes in Harrogate in an effort to relieve traffic congestion.

Harrogate Borough Council is to trial the schemes in response to drivers' concerns over regular hold-ups.

Firstly there will be an alteration to the traffic lights at the junction of Arthurs Avenue with Otley Road and Cold Bath Road.

Cars leaving Arthurs Avenue will get a green light before the other roads to allow them to turn right easier.

This scheme is only planned to work during term time when school traffic is heavy on Arthurs Avenue.

The second scheme will see a change of priority to help drivers at the Follifoot Road and Drury Lane junction.

The road markings and traffic signs will be adjusted to favour traffic turning left from Drury Lane.

Work on the experimental changes to the traffic flow are expected to start in the next two weeks.

The work will be finished before the start of the school term.

Motorists are warned to take care at the junction until they get used to the set-up and arrangements. The council's highway officers will monitor both schemes using CCTV cameras that are already in place.

The set-ups will be in place for three months and comments from the public on them are welcomed.

All comments will be studied before a final decision is made on whether the schemes should be made permanent.