TRAFFIC could be banned from travelling beneath an historic monument in a bid to protect it from damage.

Nine vehicles have struck Walmgate Bar, in York, in the past seven years.

In November, a panel truck carrying sweets became wedged under the arch, causing £15,000 of damage.

Councillors are considering bringing in a traffic regulation order which would see the Bar closed to all vehicles, except cyclists.

Walmgate Bar is the best preserved medieval town gateway in the country.

It consists of a passageway with arches at each end and a two storey gatehouse above.

The Bar dates back to the mid-12th Century and still has its portcullis and 15th Century wooden doors.

Officers at City of York Council have drawn up a series of options, but have recommended a solution that would allow two-way traffic to use the current outward-bound lanes and close the route underneath the arch.

This is the most expensive option and council officers admit it is likely to cause traffic snarl-ups at the busy junction, but it will avoid conflict with bus companies which use the Bar as a major route.

Peter Evely, head of network management at City of York Council, said: "The Bar has suffered considerable damage from vehicle strikes over the past five years.

"This has endangered, and will continue to endanger, this uniquely well-preserved monument.

"The latest vehicle came within approximately 300mm of causing substantial damage (in excess of £50,000 to repair) to the exit part of the arch, which might have compromised the entire structural stability of either the arch or the Elizabethan house supported over the roadway on the city side of the arch."

The traffic scheme will cost between £62,000 and £77,000 and could be in place by June.

Councillor Ann Reid, the council's executive member for transport, said: "In the long run, it is going to prove to be the only way of preserving the Bar."

The decision on traffic flow through the Bar will be taken by the council's planning and transport advisory panel on January 7.