THE region's business leaders have agreed to press the Government for a rapid solution to the North-East's traffic problems.

The news last month that much of the A1 is to be upgraded though North Yorkshire was welcomed by the North East Chamber of Commerce.

Business leaders believe a better road network could help persuade more companies to invest in the region, bringing more jobs.

But transport minister John Spellar has warned that consultation and planning will take time and it may be 2006 before construction work begins and 2011 before the new road links are finished.

Chamber chief executive, Michael Bird, said: "We were happy with the Government's recognition of our need for a continuous motorway link from the North-East to London; this was a main plank of our transport strategy launched at the House of Commons in February.

"However, we are at a loss as to why it will take four years to even begin the work, with completion some nine years away.

"Roads are not built in a day but a nine-year timescale seems excessive. We already suffer economic disadvantages from the lack of an adequate motorway link and in our view the need is now."

A letter is already on its way to Westminster, asking Mr Spellar to explain the time scale and requesting a meeting with officials from his department.

In the meantime, the chamber and its partners say they will continue to pursue further investment in the region's transport infrastructure.

Among projects which they are supporting are dualling of the A66 across the Pennines, and improvements to rail and air links serving the North-East.