MOTORCYCLING highway patrolmen were today revealed as the secret weapon to keep traffic flowing for Royal Ascot.

A speedy team of York council wardens will zip through the streets, slapping £60 penalty fines on cars parked illegally during the racing festival.

The two-man rapid-response unit, dubbed the Council Highway Patrol, has already drawn comparisons with CHiPs - the popular 1970s TV programme about a California Highway Patrol team.

Flamboyant patrol officers Ponch and Jon kept the Los Angeles streets and freeways safe.

Highways officials at City of York Council hope their Ascot traffic-busters will be as successful when the eyes of the world focus on the city.

Details of the motorbikes emerged at last night's full council meeting, after a question was raised about parking controls around the racecourse during the five-day meeting.

Transport executive boss Ann Reid told members Ascot parking controls, part of the council's traffic masterplan for the event, would be "very extensive", and would not just be in the South Bank and immediate racecourse area. She said: "The orders cover all of the streets between the A64 and Albemarle Road, with additional areas in Bishopthorpe and in Bishopthorpe Road."

She said about 6,000 "no waiting" cones would be used.

Coun Reid said restrictions would be enforced by patrolling council parking staff - with some on motorbikes to "respond rapidly" to changing situations.

The meeting heard that illegally parked cars would be handed a £60 fine. In a clear sign that the council will crack down hard on problem punters, vehicles will then be towed away to a secure pound near Knavesmire where a recovery fee will have to be paid.

Residents will also be able to report parking offences by phoning 0800 138 1119.

Labour transport spokesman Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing raised concerns about how much it would cost to insure the riders.

But she joked: "It sounds like CHiPs are coming to York!"

A council spokeswoman said the two bikes, which would be "mid-range", had not yet been bought.

The two-man rapid response team will be part of a 14-strong city enforcement team, working from 7am to 10pm throughout the week, who will also have access to four vans.

She said there would be "no warnings" when £60 fines were imposed and offending vehicles were impounded.

Updated: 10:27 Wednesday, April 13, 2005