INTELLIGENT parking signs will soon be able to tell motorists how many spaces are available at a York car park - well before drivers get there.

Ann Reid, City of York Council's executive member for transport, says the signs are a symbol of the authority's determination to embrace new technology to make travelling easier in the city.

A number of signs are currently on test at many key city locations, including Hull Road and Bootham.

When fully operational, they will give motorists a breakdown of exactly how many parking spaces there are at council car parks such as Marygate.

Mrs Reid said the signs, which are due to go online in the next few weeks, would be a great help in tackling congestion levels in York. The Variable Message Signs will not only provide spaces information but signs approaching the inner ring road will direct traffic to turn left or right depending on where the most spaces are in a certain part of the city.

Mrs Reid said: "This is an important part of the overall strategy to reduce congestion in the city.

"We do feel there is an economic and social need for car parking and we must ensure that we manage that need in the most effective way."

There are more than two dozen signs which will loop with city car parks and a central control room to provide up-to-the-minute information. Motorists will also be able to access spaces information at the touch of a button before their journey thanks to an internet site.

Peter Evely, the council's highways chief, said the signs would only become operational following rigorous testing to ensure the information they would provide was 100 per cent accurate.

"It is so important that we get this right," he said. "We need to ensure that the information we give to the public is completely accurate.

"We are hopeful the system will be up-and-running as soon as everything is ironed out. We appreciate there is a lot of interest in this, but it is crucial that we get this accurate."

Updated: 09:46 Wednesday, June 25, 2003