YORK'S great festival of racing next year will not be spoilt by hospitality sharks and hotel price-hikes, racegoers were reassured today.

Many hoteliers and guest house-owners have indicated that they do not intend to "profiteer" when Royal Ascot comes to York, said Debbie Waite, a spokeswoman for York Hospitality Association.

Her comments came after Ascot chief executive Douglas Erskine-Crum delivered a stinging attack on hospitality "sharks" who he claims are offering inflated packages for the meeting.

He also blasted some York hotels for "scandalous" price-hikes during the prestigious five-day event.

Mr Erskine-Crum revealed that he expected the whole five-day event, with a daily capacity of 50,000 and a significantly smaller Royal enclosure to which York's members can also apply, to be a complete sell-out, saying: "I believe demand will outstrip capacity."

He warned: "There are hospitality sharks out there already advertising packages at inflated prices when they have no idea what they will be able to offer - we haven't even begun selling to them yet."

He also claimed: "Some of the price hikes by hotels are scandalous. I would point out to anyone seeking accommodation for next June that not all hotels are doing this - some are keeping their rates reasonable and using the opportunity to draw people into York's tourist attractions."

The chief executive's comments came as York council chiefs brushed aside critics of their race traffic trial during last week's Ebor meeting, and confidently declared: "We can handle Royal Ascot."

Transport officials and police said they were certain the city could cope with extra traffic and prevent gridlock at next June's festival - despite initial "teething problems" during the test run.

Peter Evely, head of network management, told a press conference that successes included quicker journey times between York Racecourse and the A64.

But the authority conceded everything did not go according to plan. Problems with drivers ignoring restrictions in South Bank were a major concern on the first two days, with cab drivers not dropping off in designated spots.

Mr Evely welcomed proposed talks with private hire taxi operators due to be held today, and said the council failed to control them.

Other problems were caused by people moving barriers and parking in South Bank. Control was regained on the last day when every barrier was manned.

Officials expect 7,000 cars, 400 coaches and 8,000 people travelling by shuttle bus to hit York each day during Ascot 2005.

By comparison, Thursday - the busiest day of last week's Ebor festival - attracted 5,500 cars, 198 coaches and 2,000 shuttle bus users from the railway station.

Updated: 10:31 Tuesday, August 24, 2004