Three more rising bollards could be on their way to York.

The bollards, activated by sensors, would open up currently closed roads around the city to offer buses access.

The proposals, part of the new metro bus network being introduced by First York and the City of York Council, are still in their early stages and would be unlikely to create problems similar to those caused by the infamous Stonebow bollard.

Five accidents in two weeks followed its introduction after motorists ignored traffic orders banning the route for use as a rat run.

These bollards would be for buses only and as they are operating only on roads that are currently shut, the risk of vehicles trying to sneak through would be lower.

But there would still be the risk of 'tailgating' where motorists simply follow the vehicle in front despite the signs, claim critics.

One driver, who asked not to be named, who has tangled with the bollard before, said: "My incident came from following another vehicle, and this could happen again here if people don't know the roads.

"These don't appear to be as big a risk, but I'm not sure about these things. You can't trust them."

The proposals will be discussed at the City of York Council executive meeting on Friday and include using the devices on Millfield Lane, to increase access to Poppleton, at Naburn, to improve the park and ride scheme, and at Manor Lane, Clifton Moor.

"These proposals are at a very early stage," said principal transport planner Martin Revill.

"The plans haven't even got out for consultation, they are just ideas at this stage."

He said that although the devices used might be similar to that used on Stonebow, they are being used for a different purpose.

"If these ideas are ratified at the meeting then they may go out to consultation as the next step," he added.

"It is one of a range of schemes designed to make the proposed new routes more effective."

Brian Asquith, managing director at First York, said: "Any proposals that ease congestion and allow our buses free movement around the city would be welcome.

"The Naburn scheme could cut around eight minutes off the current park and ride journey times."

Updated: 08:52 Thursday, May 03, 2001