The 10-point plan, which is to be put into action immediately, aims to avoid a repeat of scenes on Monday when traffic came to a standstill following the closure of Coltsgate Hill.

The key points are:

1. Left turn only at the bottom of Duck Hill with a temporary sign to guide motorists.
2. Kirkgate opened to non-HGV traffic all day.
3. Get traffic lights re-phased on Skellgate/Somerset Row junction
4. Remove barriers and open up a second lane on Water Skellgate as soon as possible.
5. New signs when coming from Bedern Bank roundabout advising motorists of lane usage.
5. Allow traffic to use Firby Lane as normal.
6. Remove no entry sign to Moss's Arcade
7. Improve give-way signs on Westgate.
8. Ensure signage on by-pass is in place discouraging HGVs from using Ripon city centre
9. Road repairs on Market Place East will now be carried out overnight.
10. Decision to made on opening of Borrage Lane on May 7.

The decisions were made at a meeting on Monday between representatives of Ripon Police, North Yorkshire County Council, Ripon City Council, Ripon Area Business Association and contractors Mouchel.

The new traffic system came into effect on Monday due to the closure of Coltsgate Hill and resulted in long tailbacks throughout the city as drivers got to grips with the changes.

Boroughbridge Road, Duck Hill, Market Place and Westgate were worst hit with rush-hour traffic not clearing until after 10.30am.

Despite the new measures, Colin Jackson of the county council's Highway Department resisted calls to re-open Borrage Lane to traffic.

City Councillor, Jeremy Banyard told Mr Jackson at the meeting 'everyone in Ripon wants Borrage Lane open.'

Mr Jackson replied: "I don't want to change things around to quickly.
"We agreed we would not open it up straight away and that we should let things settle down."
A decision on Borrage lane will be made at the next meeting on May 7.

The meeting concluded with a call to the people of Ripon to be patient, make use of the bypass where possible and to follow the diversionary signs.

Were you stuck in the traffic jams? How long did it take you to get to work and what do you think could be done to avoid a repeat of the chaos?

Let us know what you think by clicking here and going to our Keep Ripon Moving website to post your comment.