A TOP York councillor's decision to use her daughter's wedding convoy to test an emergency traffic light system "could have led the public to conclude that she had misused her position".

But the Standards Board report on traffic chief Ann Reid and the "green wave" controversy concluded that - because she had publicly apologised for her "misjudgment", and had faced "very public criticism" in the media - no action needed to be taken by the Ethical Standards Officer (ESO), as reported exclusively in the Evening Press earlier this month.

The final report from the Standards Board followed a four-month investigation, after Coun Reid referred her own case to the body.

Coun Reid agreed to use the convoy of cars for her daughter Hannah's wedding, in August, to test a system designed to help ambulances, police and fire vehicles move unimpeded around the city centre.

It allowed the convoy to pass through nine sets of green lights on the way to the ceremony.

The ESO investigated the allegation that Coun Reid improperly secured an advantage for herself or another person, and brought her office or authority into disrepute.

The report reveals Coun Reid asked a council officer for advice on the best route through York for the wedding convoy - and the officer then suggested the test.

The ensuing test, which did not involve any cost to the council, would have taken place on another occasion, the report adds.

The report states: "The ESO considered that Coun Reid and members of the wedding convoy clearly benefited from the test of the traffic light system.

However, the ESO was not persuaded Coun Reid improperly influenced the officer to arrange the trial.

"The ESO accepted that Coun Reid responded to the officer's suggestion to test the system.

"However, the ESO considered Coun Reid's conduct could have led the public to conclude that she had misused her position, particularly given her role as executive member for planning and transport.

"The ESO therefore considered that Coun Reid's behaviour was capable of bringing her office or authority into disrepute.

"The ESO found that no action needs to be taken in relation to this matter, as Coun Reid had publicly

apologised for her misjudgment, and faced very public criticism in the local and national press."

Coun Reid, commenting previously, said: "I am pleased that the Standards Board for England has now confirmed its findings into the investigation into my self-referral.

"I welcome their conclusion that no action is warranted. I hope that a line can be drawn, and that I can concentrate on doing the job for which I was elected."

Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, shadow transport spokeswoman, said: "The comments of the ESO do need looking at. He has raised concerns and I hope this would ensure that councillors, in the future, don't take similar steps that could mean the council - both locally and nationally - could be seen to be in disrepute."

Updated: 09:47 Tuesday, March 14, 2006