Royal Ascot At York: Getting the racegoers on track

Concerns had been raised that the city's narrow streets would fail to cope with the traffic during the five-day meeting.

But City of York Council highway bosses say a system of diversions, extra car parks and improved public transport will have a significant impact on the traffic flow.

Peter Evely, the council's head of network management, said: "The normal route people take to York Racecourse has remained unchanged for 60 years, though the city around it has changed immensely.

"The proposals we have put in place should help the traffic flow straight off the main approach to the course, the A64 dual carriageway, and on to the Knavesmire.

"For the first time, there will only be one approach to the course, which means that we and the police can control the traffic more efficiently and effectively."

Key points of the plan include:

* A single approach to the course via the A64;

* New car parking arrangements to divide traffic flow;

* Different access routes for different tickets;

* Easier access to the course via buses and taxis.

Mr Evely said: "The great thing about Royal Ascot from a traffic management point of view is that it is an all-ticket event, so we have been able to give everyone detailed information about how they should get to the racecourse in advance.

"I can't stress enough how important it is that racegoers approach the course via the A64, even if they are regulars to the Knavesmire and normally take a different route.

"There will be no access to the car parks other than via the A64 and anyone taking the wrong route will not be given access to the course."

A traffic information telephone line has been set up. Racegoers ringing (01904) 552200 between 8.45am and 5pm will receive advice on travelling to the event from members of the council's network management team.

Regular traffic bulletins will be available on BBC Radio York, on 666AM.

Other measures include traffic wardens on scooters patrolling roads around the racecourse.