A NEW dropping-off point for coach passengers will be created in York's Piccadilly - with secure overnight parking provided at Murton.

City of York Council said 34 coach parking spaces in Kent Street would be lost shortly because of the Barbican Centre redevelopment scheme.

Assistant traffic engineer Ian Symonds said in a report which was discussed by the Executive Member for Planning and Transport and advisory panel last night that about eight to ten coaches were normally parked at Kent Street overnight.

He suggested three options where overnight parking could be transferred: the Monks Cross Park & Ride site, the National Railway Museum and Murton Lorry Park.

He said the latter was located in a light industrial area which was easy to locate, with direct access into the city centre along the A1079 and all the facilities desirable for safe overnight parking.

Meanwhile, a temporary coach drop-off and collection point will be created in the former Reynards garage site in Piccadilly.

The executive member approved the scheme.

Updated: 11:08 Thursday, November 04, 2004