The bollard has met its match. City of York Council's depth charge, previously unbeaten in five fights with cars, has been floored by a silver Volvo. The Volvo driver is not celebrating, however: he has been hit with a £1,500 bill to fix the bollard, plus hefty garage costs.

The council's determination to persist with the Stonebow bollard suggests that it will rise again, stronger and mightier than ever.

At least motorists now know it is there. York's car-seeking missile is fast becoming a highway legend.