DETAILS have been unveiled of new Park&Ride proposals that could ease congestions for thousands of York motorists.

Plans produced by City of York Council show how commuters could travel to the city's outskirts by car or tram train before heading into the centre by bus.

The council has published details of the first phase of its Access York bid, proposing three new Park&Ride sites at a cost of £26.2 million.

If approved, York's Park&Ride capacity would increase from 3,750 spaces to 6,250 spread over seven sites.

A council spokeswoman said: "It is hoped the project would deliver an average reduction in journey times on the inner ring road of eight per cent and an average reduction in journey times on the outer ring road of five per cent by 2011.

"Traffic is projected to reduce on Boroughbridge Road and Wigginton Road as travellers transfer to the Park&Ride option leading to air quality benefits on these routes."

The proposed new sites are at the A59 near Poppleton, on Wigginton Road at Clifton Moor, and a relocated and enlarged Askham Bar facility.

They would have space for 750 vehicles, 500 vehicles and 1,250 vehicles respectively.

Members of the council's ruling executive will discuss the plans on Tuesday and are expected to endorse submission of the funding bid to the Regional Transport Board.

The shadow executive considered the plans this week, but had only received the report at short notice.

Group leader David Scott said Labour supported the first phase bid, but said they may comment in more detail once they had fully assessed the report.

Coun Dave Merrett voiced concern about the capacity of the Park&Ride sites, but assistant transport director Damon Copper-thwaite said the council wanted to have the opportunity to increase capacity as necessary, rather than over-build initially.

Coun David Horton said some of the proposals at Askham Bar looked "horrendous", and he bemoaned the report's late delivery.

The second phase of the Access York project will see another bid submitted later this year, seeking funding for major improvements to the A1237, possibly including dualling of some stretches.

The Press has launched its own Access York campaign, backing the council's bids for up to £160 million.