SOUTH Bank residents could feel the full force of St Leger race traffic when the two-day festival comes to York next month, Labour councillors have warned.

Micklegate ward councillors Dave Merrett, Dave Evans and Sandy Fraser have asked any South Bank residents who suffered traffic hell during this week's Ebor Festival to contact them.

The trio have criticised City of York Council for its decision not to implement the full traffic and parking management measures which were so successful at last year's Royal Ascot at York.

They were concerned that an "exclusion zone", which prevented South Bank being used as a car park for racegoers, has been replaced by more limited measures "primarily due to the cost and extra staffing it requires".

Coun Merrett said: "However, the need for this exclusion zone is particularly important now because the racecourse has announced their intention of charging for car parking at the course to defray the cost of the traffic measures charged to them.

"This may lead to more people deciding to park in South Bank streets rather than pay the parking fee."

Coun Sandy Fraser said: "At the Ascot meeting, there was a proper staffed barrier to ensure only residents could gain access to park on the streets.

"We now feel that this should be in place at major events to minimise the disruption for local residents and we made that point to the Lib Dems when the issue was decided upon. This is yet another let down for the residents of South Bank."

Thousands of punters are expected to descend on Knavesmire when the St Leger comes to York for the first time since 1945. The two-day festival, on September 8 and 9, will host the country's oldest horse race.

Coun Merrett said: "We are also concerned about problems at other major events that are held on the Knavesmire, such as the Motor Caravan Show. That's why we argued for a more comprehensive approach so disruption to local residents can be kept to the minimum."

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: "The race plan used for this racing season was developed by York Race Committee with assistance from the police and City of York Council.

"What the plan included, and excluded, was a joint decision.

"Following Royal Ascot and the 2005 Ebor meeting, Micklegate Ward residents were asked for their views.

"The majority told us that they did not want to see the Ascot-style system used and most supported the system adopted in the current plan.

"The traffic management measures used were influenced by the budget available. The vast majority of the cost is covered by the race committee itself.

"Council officers monitored the area around the racecourse during the Ebor meeting. They found that on-street parking had increased in some areas, but not as much as might have been expected.

"Following the St Leger meeting next month, officers and members of the race committee will be reviewing how successful the plan was and will consider if there is a need for additional on-street parking controls."