CYCLISTS in York are stepping up their protest against plans to ban vehicles from the city centre during weekly late night shopping events.

The CTC - a cycling organisation similar to the motoring groups RAC and AA - is urging its members to write to City of York Councillors to protest against plans to extend the footstreet hours in York to 8pm, every Thursday.

The scheme, headed by York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and City of York Council, aims to bridge the gap between shops closing and the time that pubs and restaurants get busy.

But CTC members say that the extra restrictions could force cyclists back into their cars and they are contacting City of York Councillors Dave Merrett, Tracey Simpson-Laing and Martin Brumby to express their anger.

Late night shopping will begin on April 17 with a temporary extension of the footstreet orders. A permanent order is due to go before councillors in the future.

A CTC spokesman said: "If cycle commuters cannot use their most convenient route on one evening a week this could have a discouraging and confusing effect and could even lead to an overall decrease in cycling."

Peter Evely, the council's head of highways regulation, said that at present only vehicles which have a purpose for being in the city centre, ie deliveries and some disabled badge holders, were allowed in at permitted times and the new restriction would only slightly inconvenience motorists and cyclists.

Councillor Simpson-Laing, executive member for transport, said: "Hopefully we can come to an understanding on this. York doesn't shut down on an evening. We want everyone to enjoy it, cyclists and pedestrians."

Updated: 08:35 Saturday, March 22, 2003