IT looks like one of the last places in York City centre where motorists can freely park.

No on-street parking charges - daytime, evening or night-time. And no sign of the double or single yellow lines which have been appearing like a rash on other roads all over the city centre.

The only problem is that this "free parking zone" is not in a quiet back street but on one of the busiest and most dangerous stretches of York's inner ring road.

Double yellow lines have been painted along part of the dual carriageway stretch over Castle Mills Bridge, but then suddenly come to a halt just on the brow of the bridge.

A similar yellow line-free stretch of road exists on the other side of the ring road.

There is no sign of any parking restriction - but anyone taking advantage would risk somebody ploughing into the back of their vehicle.

A reader contacted the Evening Press to say it seemed crazy, when quiet streets near Clifford's Tower were having fresh parking restrictions imposed, there were apparently no restrictions on such a dangerous stretch of the inner ring road.

But Peter Evely, City of York Council's head of highway regulation, warned motorists that just because there are no yellow lines, it doesn't mean you can park.

While anyone parking in such a dangerous location might not get a ticket from one of the council's attendants, they would risk being nicked by the police for creating a hazard.

So we'll keep looking for that elusive parking space.

THERE is no doubt that Coun Ann Reid is under pressure over the Lib Dems' barking, sorry, parking plans. But does she really need to go undercover?

You cannot get away from invitations to "Tell Ann".

Radio commercials, adverts in the Evening Press and a link on the council website urges anyone who would like to comment on the next Local Transport Plan to "Tell Ann" by completing an online questionnaire.

The accompanying logo shows a woman in silhouette. Is this supposed to be York transport supremo Ann Reid?

If so, does the logo suggest a) she is embarrassed to be identified with the council's policies, or b) that she is in the dark? Do tell, Ann.

YORK City fan Steve Mortimer, who has contributed to the Diary without giving his surname until today, has thought up "a glorious ending" to the film pitch involving York folk we outlined on Tuesday.

"The dark clouds over Bootham Crescent part and God, played by a Mr D Craig (saviour of York City) appears to a chorus of cheers (sorry spelt that wrong, it should be jeers)and so ends the conflict between cars and bikes with him being a legend in his own mind."

Cracking stuff, but which Hollywood star would have the right authority to play DC?

AFTER the Diary's piece about the BNP press officer Dr Phill Edwards' conversation with colleague Stephen Lewis, we are offered more info on Dr Phill.

"He can't even avoid being economical with the actualit about himself," says our informant.

"His real name isn't Phill Edwards, it's Stuart Russell: and no one seems able to confirm when or how he got the right to call himself 'Dr'..."

Dr Phill so proud of being British he can't give his real name?

Surely not.

Write to: The Diary, Chris Titley, The Evening Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN

Email diary@ycp.co.uk

Telephone (01904) 653051 ext 337

Updated: 09:44 Thursday, April 01, 2004