YORK'S controversial rising bollard, designed to reduce city centre traffic in York, has been out of action for a week - giving motorists free rein to flout the law.

Over the past month there have been intermittent mechanical problems with the bollard, in The Stonebow, and City of York Council workers have tried on several occasions to fix it.

A week ago the bollard was removed completely so that a new motor could be fitted. It is due to be returned early next week, according to a council spokesman.

But scores of motorists have already been seen taking advantage of the technical hitch by driving along Stonebow towards Coppergate during the hours of 8am and 6pm.

One local trader said the situation was farcical.

He said: "It is absolutely ridiculous, especially after spending £60,000 on the bollard. Cars are just able to drive straight over it at the moment. It's always breaking down. They come out and try to fix it, and within a few days it's broken again.

"I know they have to stop traffic going into town but this is not the way."

The owners of authorised vehicles - buses, taxis, emergency service vehicles and staff at one city centre shop - are able to buy transponders which fit into the vehicles and cause the bollard to lower as they approach it.

However since it was installed 18 months ago there have been a number of accidents involving unauthorised cars - and a bus - and it is thought that these may have damaged the motor.

Drivers have also been taking advantage of council staff shortages.

A council spokesman said that when the bollard is not monitored it lowers for every vehicle that approaches it, not just those with transponders, for safety reasons.

He said: "The bollard is monitored for safety reasons, and it is only operational when it's being monitored.

"Occasionally when we are short-staffed we have to pull people away from monitoring. Then it's open house.

"Even though the bollard is out of operation it's still illegal for people to drive up Stonebow towards Coppergate during the day."

Updated: 11:37 Friday, April 19, 2002