THIS map shows the proposed jam-busting route taxis could take to ferry thousands of punters to York Racecourse during Royal Ascot.

Cabbies are keeping their fingers crossed that councillors will agree to open up Terry Avenue to their cars during the five-day festival, to avoid them getting stuck in the predicted snarl-ups.

City of York Council traffic chief Peter Evely met representatives of the city's private hire firms and Hackney Carriages to thrash out the possible solution amid fears they would not make any cash from Ascot.

Drivers had previously threatened to boycott the festival because they were sick of the jams and branded the traffic trial, designed to cut congestion over the Ebor festival, as a "nightmare".

Alan Rowley, secretary of the York Taxi Association, said opening Terry Avenue would slash journey times from York Station and also benefit those taxis travelling to Knavesmire from the city centre.

It would enable cabbies to cut out most of Bishopthorpe Road, which is expected to be jammed on race days.

The proposal involves placing a security guard at a gate across Terry Avenue to stop other drivers using the route.

"Opening Terry Avenue would be superb for us," Mr Rowley said.

"The council is trying its utmost to make this work. We're concerned about moving people quickly and safely.

"If this works out who knows what future events will come to York."

Mark Wilson, secretary of the York Private Hire Association, said: "Terry Avenue is the crux of the proposal. If it is reopened we should be able to move the amount of people we need to."

Mr Evely, head of Network Management, said: "We had a very positive meeting with representatives from the taxi operators yesterday.

"We are pleased that working with all the partners, including the emergency services, we have a set of proposals which the taxi operators feel they are able to support."

Councillors will make the final decision on the proposed route at a meeting on Tuesday, March 15.

Updated: 10:21 Thursday, March 03, 2005