PLANS to impose stinging fines on motorists misusing the new Monks Cross Park&Ride site look set to be watered down.

Council officers have recommended that a £30 fine be levied on motorists in the Park&Ride car park who do not use the bus or take advantage of the council's new Park&Cycle scheme.

But the Evening Press understands that if any charge is agreed, councillors will set a less draconian figure, more in line with parking fines imposed elsewhere in the city.

The new Monks Cross Park&Ride, the city's fifth, is scheduled to open this month.

City of York Council wants to ensure that the designated 750-space car park is used primarily by Park&Ride customers and not filled by workers and shoppers using shops at the out-of-town complex.

A Traffic Regulation Order is already in place to limit its car park to customers using the service - but the report to the council executive outlines ways this can be enforced.

Principal transport planner Stuart Dalgleish says parking space on the entire Monks Cross estate is at a premium.

Room for workers is limited by Local Plan restrictions, aimed at taking cars off the road, and vehicles are already spilling over on to surrounding roads and undeveloped land, the report states.

Businesses at the retail park have recently introduced parking limits barring use by commuters.

Parking restrictions in a number of roads around the retail park are in the pipeline.

Mr Dalgleish states in the report: "If this goes ahead it will put further pressure on the remaining overspill options. The situation is also likely to get worse as more of the estate is developed."

He said a scheme is being set up which will see motorists get a ticket at the site entrance. This will be validated on the bus, or site office for cyclists, giving free access to the car park.

Officers outline three options to combat misuse: do nothing, have attendants issue a charge notice, or hand motorists a £30 charge to be paid on site.

They recommend the last option, which now looks unlikely to go ahead.

Council leader Steve Galloway today stressed the benefits of the new Park&Cycle scheme for workers in the area. He also said the Park&Ride bus will serve the city centre and shuttle around the Monks Cross site.

The issue will be discussed at a council executive meeting on Tuesday.

The new car park is just off the roundabout that links Monks Cross and the A1036 Malton Road. It is sited between the roundabout and Ryedale Stadium, making it inconvenient for shoppers, but handy for workers at businesses surrounding the car park.

Updated: 08:35 Thursday, June 10, 2004