TRAVELLERS have been warned of major changes at York Railway Station during Royal Ascot week.

Only passengers with valid train tickets will be allowed on to platforms. GNER said it had proved necessary to control platform access to help passengers move quickly and safely.

The company also said there would be 200 fewer long stay parking spaces from tomorrow until Sunday.

The normal short stay car park near the Royal York hotel will be closed between 9am and 2pm, from Tuesday until next Saturday.

Limited short stay car parking would be available in the normal long stay car park.

A leaflet issued to passengers advised them: "If you intend to drive to the station, please use other car parks wherever possible." Disabled parking spaces would be available in the long stay car park.

GNER said that while the concourse, including the toilets, cafes and cash machines, will remain open as a public area, the station would not be accessible as a public thoroughfare.

Tickets will be checked when entering and leaving the station. It said there would be separate exit and entry points to platforms for passengers. A special entrance will be in place for passengers returning from the racecourse in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, TransPennine Express will be adding extra coaches to its trains to help regional travellers heading to the races.

The company said the number of seats available will increase by several thousand each day as the company puts all available carriages into service.

First TransPennine Express will have extra staff on duty at stations to help with information on journey times and travel arrangements and passengers are being encouraged to buy a rail ticket before they board their train.

Ticket checks will be carried out at York Station and anyone without a ticket will be unable to leave without paying.

It will not be possible to make seat reservations to and from York.

Updated: 10:02 Friday, June 10, 2005