THE latest stage in a massive public consultation over the site of York's fifth Park&Ride site has been hailed a success by the city's transport chiefs.

Five different locations have been suggested for the site, with the minimum estimated cost for it £4.6 million, the top estimate £5.35 million.

The options are all in north west York, close to the A1237 outer ring road, with City of York Council's three favoured sites near the Harrogate to York railway line.

The council's transport and planning chiefs recently sent a consultation leaflet to every household in York asking for opinions.

This was followed with Saturday's day of direct consultation when officers were at Manor School, in Acomb, to explain plans for the site. Mark Finer, principal transport planner, said he was pleased with the public response.

He said: "We have had people coming through all day. People have different interests and issues to raise regarding each site, but the response has been broadly positive.

"We are very pleased. We want as much comment and feedback about these proposals as possible."

York resident Ian Phillips, whose home is close to the proposed sites, in The Paddock, off Boroughbridge Road, said he is in favour of the new site. But he is concerned about extra traffic it would bring to the already-busy Boroughbridge Road.

He said: "When Park&Ride first started I was against it, but people are using it, the car parks are usually full, so it must be working and I am in favour of another site.

"But it is so busy down Boroughbridge Road at certain times, especially during the so-called school run, that I think something has to be done about that."

Mr Finer said: "That is certainly something we have to look at. Clearly there are a range of traffic management issues in the areas surrounding the proposed sites. They are part of the solution."

The aim is for the site to be operating by early 2005. It would have 750 spaces but have room to expand to 1,200.

The deadline for consultation responses is December 9, with councillors set to discuss the consultation's findings and choose a location in February or March next year.

Updated: 12:23 Monday, November 11, 2002