DRIVERS are being warned they face additional congestion as 10,000 prospective Oxford University students descend on the city for two open days.

The events for prospective undergraduates will be held on Wednesday, July 1, and Thursday, July 2.

Oxford University has asked those attending not to drive, but has accepted that there will inevitably be extra congestion in the city centre where drivers are already facing delays caused by work to revamp Frideswide Square.

University spokeswoman Julia Paolitto said about 10,000 students were due to attend over two days.

She added: “Oxford will be additionally busy.

“Some will take buses but others will drive or take taxis from the station.

“It might be a good day to cycle rather than drive in Oxford, or at least allow extra time for your journey.

“We are doing everything we can to work with the city and county councils, and bus companies, to ensure there will be minimal disruption but with 10,000 extra people there is always going to be an additional strain on the commute and on the city.”

Some college accommodation is being made available for students who have to travel long distances for the open days.

And the open day information centre will be open on both days from 9am to 5pm at the Examination Schools in High Street.

Prospective students are being advised that most of the events, including college tours, do not need booking and that most open day locations are within easy walking distance of each other.

For further information visit ox.ac.uk