A judge has imposed restrictions that will ease delays caused by picket lines set up by striking York Region Transit workers.

In a Newmarket court Thursday, the judge sided with York Region and approved an injunction that limits the strikers' picketing tactics.

The striking workers can continue to picket and hold up buses, but the judge barred flash pickets and reduced the amount of time buses can be blocked.

Picketers can only hold up buses for three minutes at a time, and they can hold up no more than five vehicles at a time.

Workers cannot delay transit riders as they get on and off buses, and they cannot hold up special buses designed people with mobility issues.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1587 president Ray Doyle said the union isn't happy with the restrictions, but members will comply with them.

Doyle said the union's picketing tactics weren't illegal, countering York Region's claims the picket lines were unlawful.

In a statement, York Region said the injunction addresses its concerns about safety and delays.

Region officials were seeking the injunction because, they claim, the picket lines are causing unnecessary delays, York Region Transit passengers and drivers are being harassed, and the demonstrations have created unsafe conditions for transit riders, motorists and pedestrians.

In recent weeks, union members have ramped up their picketing efforts by blocking YRT, TTC and GO Transit buses, and vehicles belonging to companies contracted to provide bus service.

Meanwhile, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1587 officials returned to the bargaining table with representatives of Miller Transit and First Canada on Wednesday, but the talks were fruitless.

ATU Local 1587 president Ray Doyle said the negotiations were a waste of time, and union members will be meeting soon to discuss their next step.

No talks are scheduled for Veolia Transportation and members of ATU Local 113.

More than 550 YRT bus drivers and mechanics, employed by contractors Miller Transit, First Canada and Veolia Transportation, went on strike Oct. 24, shutting down about 60 per cent of the region's bus routes.

The strike is affecting more than 44,000 riders every day.

ATU Local 1587 represents about 340 employees in YRT's southeast and north divisions, while 220 Viva employees are represented by ATU Local 113.