A new multi-million-pound guided bus system has been given the go-ahead for driver training.

Bradford's £7million Man-chester Road system from Odsal Top to Mayo Avenue passed a safety test and permission has been granted for driver training to start on Monday.

Passengers, however, will have to wait until the system is officially launched early next year before it is put to public use.

Councillor Anne Hawkes-worth, Bradford Council's executive member for the environment, said: "We are delighted the first section of the guided system has passed inspection and that bus driver training can begin.

"We look forward to the whole system coming into operation and helping to relieve traffic congestion on one of Bradford's busiest commuter routes."

First Bradford's 480 drivers will receive a full day of training and development over the next few months and signs will be put up to warn pedestrians.

The buses have been fitted with special wheels to travel along the guideways and the low floors allow easy access. Training will include helping passengers with mobility difficulties.

The second phase of the A641 Quality Bus Initiative should be completed at the end of the month as work on this section of road is finished.

It is hoped the venture between Bradford Council, Metro and First Bradford will reduce bus service delays and improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

Andy Campbell, managing director of First Bradford, said: "The driver training programme addresses the principles and safety issues of guideway operation and also includes an additional course focussing on customer-care issues."

Since work began in November last year, lane restrictions have been in place with motorists diverted via Rooley Avenue, Rooley Lane and Wakefield Road.

The slip road from Odsal roundabout will be closed tomorrow from 9.30am to 3.30pm for resurfacing work which will also restrict the inbound stretch of Manchester Road from Odsal to Mayo Avenue to one lane.

First Bradford has made alterations to services 645/646 Green Line, 810 and 670 from the coming weekend.

Details on these are available in the new timetables or by calling Metroline on (0113) 2457676.