COUNCIL chiefs have been warned that a major transport strategy will do little to address Darlington's mounting traffic congestion problems.

Darlington Borough Council has unveiled its second local transport plan - a detailed blueprint outlining how the authority will combat congestion, as well as encourage more people to use greener modes of travel.

But Conservative councillors believe that not enough will be done to tackle congestion.

Councillor Jim Ruck has pinpointed several hot-spots where traffic build-ups are causing misery for drivers.

He told this week's full council meeting: "There are current and future serious congestion problems that are not addressed in this plan."

He said building a new Argos distribution centre would cause chaos in the Faverdale area, particularly on West Auckland Road.

Coun Ruck said there were problems around the Morton Palms development and on McMullen Road.

Councillor Barrie Armstrong, who represents Faverdale, said the plan was a "tour de force in terms of meeting Government guidelines", but "a poor deal for the car driver".

He said: "Without more radical solutions, car drivers look set to suffer even more frustration."

However, Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said the authority had made major improvements over the past five years but said there was no quick fix that will reduce congestion instantly.