Knavesmire raceday traffic plan

7:37am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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SPECIAL traffic arrangements are in place in York today as crowds flock to the city's racecourse for the opening day of the season.

Thousands of racing fans are expected to descend on Knavesmire, as the city's basks in glorious sunshine, and City of York Council has put a traffic plan in place to help manage the crowds. The plan is in two parts - dealing with people heading to the course, and those leaving it later in the day.

For traffic heading to Knavesmire, signs will be placed on all major routes into York, with motorists encouraged to approach along the A1237 and A64. Further signs within the city boundaries will reinforce the best route.

There will be no-waiting cones in Knavesmire Road, Campleshon Road, Albemarle Road, Knavesmire Avenue, Knavesmire Crescent, Bishopthorpe Road and one side of Church Lane in Bishopthorpe.

As motorists leave the course, the traffic lights at the junction of Sim Balk Lane and Tadcaster Road will be turned off. Vehicles coming from Sim Balk Lane will not be allowed to turn right towards York.

All traffic leaving the A64 to travel to Bishopthorpe will be directed towards the Askham Bar roundabout to perform a U-turn. Vehicles will then approach the junction from the York side, and will be able to turn left into Sim Balk Lane.

The restrictions are expected to apply from 4.30pm until 7pm, although this may vary depending on traffic flows.

Meanwhile, James Brennan, racecourse marketing manager, said staff were looking forward to a sunny and enjoyable start of the season, but said the good weather would not necessarily mean a large increase in crowds.

He said: "The good weather is giving cause for optimism because it will help everyone have a great day. Sunshine at the weekend would cause a great surge, but for a midweek festival people tend to have made their plans and there are not that many people fortunate enough to be able to take a day off at short notice - although we would love them to.

"There may be a few more people coming to enjoy a picnic in the middle, though I would not anticipate the crowd rocketing up."