A BIG wheel which will provide spectacular views of York has been approved - and can even operate in the evenings.

Councillors decided to let the "Eye Of York" run for three years and also open at night so people can see the historic skyline lit up.

The final details of opening and closing hours for the £3 million observation wheel were left to the National Railway Museum, (NRM) which is hosting the wheel on its Leeman Road site.

The 60-metre high ride, which is expected to open in May, is being brought to York by World Tourist Attractions, which has set up wheels in Manchester and Birmingham.

Police objected to the plans fearing drivers would be distracted by the giant wheel and cause accidents - but councillors decided this was unlikely.

Welcoming the addition to York's attractions, Coun Ann Reid, the council's planning chief, said: "We have found a site that in lots of ways is almost ideal. It is outside the sensitive conservation area, but will give people views of the city and that is quite an achievement.

"Seeing the city at night will be even more enjoyable."

The council's planning and transport sub-committee was told the wheel would attract about 400,000 visitors a year - an average of 1,100 per day.

But the NRM said it could cope with the numbers as it already attracts 885,000 people a year, and handles up to 6,000 a day during busy holiday periods.

Andrew Scott, museum head, said: "York needs new attractions to raise its profile, bring in visitors and create jobs. This will need 15 staff to operate it and, for every 1,000 or so extra visitors, two or three jobs will be created across the city."

Martin Hemenway, North Yorkshire Police traffic management officer, wrote to the meeting to raise concerns about the wheel distracting motorists on Leeman Road.

He said: "The foot pavements are narrow and crossing can be difficult."

He said a road safety audit should be carried out and the police or council be allowed to close the attraction if road safety problems happened. But Mr Scott said the museum was "not convinced" the wheel would distract drivers, particularly as they would see it long before entering Leeman Road tunnel, and not suddenly come upon it the other side.

Council officers suggested approval for one year, but councillors allowed the wheel to run for three, on the condition deliveries do not take place between 7.30am and 9.15am and 4pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

They also asked for an access management plan and said the museum should meet the committee after the wheel has been open three months to discuss any road safety problems.

Updated: 09:54 Friday, January 20, 2006