Police today urged motorists to be patient as traffic delays were expected throughout Oxford.

Several streets were closed to traffic as the annual St Giles Fair got under way and part of the Botley interchange closes tomorrow for resurfacing work.

Oxfordshire County Council transport planner Richard Dicks defended the decision to close the interchange at off-peak hours during the time of the fair.

He said: "We don't think this will affect the fair at all." The city council is urging drivers to use the ring road as an alternative route, and people coming into the city centre should use public transport or the park and ride services.

A police spokesman said drivers should keep calm during jams and added: "Try to leave your cars out of the city and use park and ride."

Roads closed until 8am on Wednesday are: Beaumont Street from St John Street to St Giles, Magdalen Street East and West, Pusey Street and Banbury Road between Parks Road and St Giles.

The link road from Botley Road to the A34 roundabout closes between 9.30am and 4.30pm.