NO major problems were reported on the roads today as racegoers streamed into York for Ebor Day.

Thousands of race fans were expected in the city as the second day of a radical traffic-busting trial swung into action.

City of York Council hailed the trial a success yesterday - and a spokesman said at noon today that traffic was busy but flowing.

He added that extra signs from Tadcaster Road had been added today and minor changes to arrangements in the South Bank - where permit-only access was in operation - were working well so far.

Outside the racecourse this morning, the Evening Press saw some racegoers moving "no parking"' cones. Some were driving up kerbs to get around plastic barriers in the road to get a parking spot in South Bank.

Jacquie Freeman, of Albemarle Road, said she spotted racegoers moving cones further up the street today and yesterday. "I called the council and they said there should be a warden around."

The council spokesman said: "The system will only work with the co-operation of racegoers. We thank residents for letting us know and will do our best to increase patrols in the area."

Car parks at the racecourse were busy by 11am and it appeared many motorists had got to York early to beat the restrictions or potential jams.

There was some criticism of the way the new arrangements worked for yesterday's meeting.

Critics said racegoers from outside York were unaware of the changes and called for more signs. City centre jams delayed some bus services by an hour.

Labour councillors called for an urgent review before Ascot next June.

However, a City of York Council spokesman said traffic flow in Tadcaster Road was smooth and the arrangements - directing racegoers to Knavesmire along the A64 - "worked really well."

He said South Bank congestion came when punters headed for familiar routes, despite publicity about restrictions. Plans were in hand to give Ascot ticketholders advance information.

Liberal Democrat transport executive member Ann Reid watched traffic from the Tesco roundabout. She said post-race A64-bound traffic was less congested than on a non-race day, with Sim Balk Lane traffic lights turned off.

She said signs needed to be reviewed but added she was "cautiously confident" about Ascot.

Updated: 14:21 Wednesday, August 18, 2004