TRANSPORT chiefs have had to switch off their long-awaited congestion-busting system - because of problems with the mobile phone network.

York's new variable message signs are designed to help motorists beat traffic congestion.

The system uses the mobile phone network to relay information between the control centres and the message signs, but there have been problems.

The city's director of environment and development, Roy Templeman, said: "Unfortunately, the problem rests with the electronic communication system and we are working to get this resolved as soon as possible with the contractors concerned.

"As we can't guarantee that the messages would be correct at the moment, we've taken the decision to leave all the variable message signs blank until the network is back up and running, so at least we don't give people the wrong information.

"We hope the system will be back on line within the next few days."