TRANSPORT chiefs are to carry out a study of Darlington's road network in a bid to ease congestion.

The key routes into the town have become increasingly busy in recent months.

Motorists on West Auckland Road, Yarm Road, North Road and Haughton Road have experienced delays.

The problem has escalated to the extent that Conservative councillors recently produced figures suggesting the gridlock cost the local economy £2.4m in lost labour, as drivers struggled to get into work.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said: "Over the coming months, we will be carrying out a study of the whole of the road network to see what small-scale work can be done to help manage the problem.

"Work is also due to take place at the Morton Palms roundabout between January and March to create a slip road from the south to the west and ease traffic on it."