New owner - problems, problems..

I've posted elsewhere that the cooling fans aren't working (hoping the motors just need a clean - they start when flicked with a screwdriver!), and that the running temp reads really low on the move (not much above 70C), but when, in traffic, the engine temp climbs (and keeps climbing) the needle gets into the red and at no point does the 'STOP' light come on (it works when the ignition is on..).. Is this a coolant temp fault, a problem connected to the dodgy fans or some other electrical gremlin? Any ideas? Ta!

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2000/W 306 GTi-6, Moonstone money-pit!!