Royal Ascot at York will mean restrictions for motorists in some areas of the city centre. STEVE CARROLL explains how to get around during race week.

MAKING congestion as manageable as possible means York residents will be affected more than just by the number of cars coming to and from the A64.

With traffic in Tadcaster Road expected to be very heavy, and the road closed between 9.30am and 2pm, the priority will be to get cars and coaches in and out of the racecourse as quickly as possible - without disruption to the everyday life of York citizens.

City of York Council has brought in a number of measures to help those close to the racecourse and outlying areas get about.

Whether you need to get to villages off the A64, or find a space outside your house near Knavesmire, here is a brief guide to how to get around during the races.

Bishopthorpe: Between 9.30am and 2pm motorists will be able to travel to the A64 as normal, but should use Bishopthorpe Road only to get to the city centre.

Between 2pm and 4pm all routes are available as normal and that will continue to be the case to the A64 from 4pm until 9pm.

But for routes into the city centre, Bishopthorpe Road will be one way into the village between Church Lane and Main Street. Motorists are asked to use Sim Balk Lane, Church Street and Bishopthorpe Road.

From the city centre, use Bishopthorpe Road only, as Sim Balk Lane between the A64 bridge and Tadcaster Road will be one way towards Tadcaster Road, and traffic will only be allowed to turn left at Tadcaster Road.

From 9.30am to 2pm and 4pm to 9pm, from the A64: exit at Copmanthorpe and use Copmanthorpe Lane to the village.

South Bank: The whole area will be closed to all but residents, essential visitors and those going to and from businesses in the area between 9am and 6pm.

People needing to get into the area should use South Bank Avenue, which will be controlled by a barrier. Closure points on Albemarle Road and Knavesmire Crescent will remain in place until 7pm to stop streets being used by traffic.

Copmanthorpe: Between 9.30am and 2pm, Top Lane will be closed at the junction with the A64 slip road and near the Fox and Hounds.

To get to and from the city centre, use Manor Heath and the A64 Askham Bryan junction. To get to and from the A64, use Manor Heath and the Askham Bryan junction. From 2pm all routes will be available as normal.

York College: You will be able to get to and from the college during Royal Ascot at York. Routing details are available to staff and students at the college.

Tesco: Access will be as normal except for traffic approaching from Bishopthorpe between 4pm and 9pm. Parking tickets will be handed out to racegoers tempted to park in the supermarket car park.

Racegoers must use the A64 if they are to gain entrance to Knavesmire.

Those who do not follow the Ascot traffic master plan will be denied entrance to the racecourse, according to Peter Evely, City of York Council's head of network management.

He 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 Knavesmire.

Updated: 11:25 Monday, June 13, 2005