DRIVERS in and around Oxford are being warned to expect heavy traffic due to today's Oxford University open day.

Thousands of prospective students and their families are set to flock to the city for the final university-wide open day of the year.

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Oxford University has asked visitors to avoid driving into the city centre if possible, recommending the Park & Ride system instead.

The university suggested prospective students use Redbridge, Thornhill, Pear Tree and Water Eaton park & rides, but not the Seacourt facility in Botley Road as it 'fills up early in the morning'.  

Long queues were already forming on Botley Road at 8.30 this morning, with ongoing SGN gas works contributing to the rush hour delays.