THE bizarre transport restrictions proposed for Huntington Stadium could be slapped on York City Knights should they achieve their Super League dream, writes Peter Martini.

As reported by the Press, controversial restrictions have been proposed as part of the planning application to redevelop the Monks Cross arena for use by York City FC.

Until now it has been thought these restrictions would apply only to the football club but City of York Council has warned that the Knights may also be affected if their crowds rise to Super League levels.

City may soon move from Bootham Crescent to share Huntington Stadium with the Knights, but the small print in City's planning application includes extraordinary restrictions on travelling to and from the venue on match-days.

Under the proposals, fans would need permission to walk further than a mile to the stadium, supporters coming by car would need to purchase a permit at the start of the season and all visiting fans would have to come by a Park & Ride bus.

A council spokesman has confirmed the restrictions would not affect the Knights as things stand as the rugby club already have planning consent to use the ground at its current capacity.

An increase in the size of the ground would not necessarily change that, as the Knights' crowds would still be expected to be lower than the previous capacity, therefore the original consent would remain relevant. However, that could change if the Knights' crowds grew to Super League levels.

Peter Evely, head of network management at the council, said: "Any transport restrictions will apply to York City only. York Knights already have planning consent to use the existing stadium as it is and we can't put in extra restrictions retrospectively. If the Knights want to expand their operation in the future, they will have to re-apply for new terms."

Knights majority shareholder John Guildford said the council had not informed him of any potential restrictions.

"It's good news that it won't affect us as things stand," he said. "If they came back at a later date and said it's now affecting us, we would cross that bridge then and argue our case."

Updated: 09:59 Saturday, December 20, 2003