COUNCIL bosses will hold talks this week to see whether parts of York's race day traffic master plan can be used during other big Knavesmire meetings.

City of York Council transport chiefs will be debriefed on the success of a plan which kept the city free from traffic chaos - despite more than 220,000 racegoers flooding into the racecourse during five days of Royal Ascot.

Today York Racecourse said it was now "more likely" that elements of the scheme could be used in future big day events such as Ebor Day.

James Brennan, York Racecourse marketing manager, said the course had been pleased with the way the transport plan had worked during the Royal Meeting.

Work carried out on roads on the approaches to the city from the A64 for Royal Ascot remain - giving York a legacy it can use in the future.

And with few complaints during Royal Ascot, pressure is sure to mount to reinstate parts of the plan to insulate the rest of York from heavy races traffic in the future.

The Evening Press understands the council might not fund alternative car parking arrangements in future, such as putting car parks in Sim Balk Lane, leaving the racecourse to foot the bill.

That car park, just off the junction of the A64, has been judged by council chiefs as a particular success during Royal Ascot week.

Mr Brennan said: "Our focus has been on making sure it worked for Royal Ascot at York week.

"From there, we can look at the plan and if there are great ideas, we could see whether they can be implemented.

"It's something we are keen to look at. We are pleased with the way it has gone so far. It could be adaptable.

"We have always been clear. Let's see what can be learned from this event. It is more likely (the plan could be used in the future)."

Bill Woolley, the council's acting director of environment, said: "We have got a plan which works really well.

"We will be getting a full debrief and it is clear that one of the things we will look at is what we can use for future race meetings.

"The expectation of the York public has been raised, and I would certainly expect to use some parts of this plan again."

Updated: 10:32 Monday, June 20, 2005