DRIVERS are being urged to avoid Worcester Bridge on Sunday when Elton John performs at New Road.

The bridge will be down to one lane from early afternoon to ensure pedestrian safety and create a safe dropping-off lane for disabled spectators and coaches. A spokesman for Worcester police said: "Concert-goers are encouraged to arrive early and to park at city centre car parks away from the County Ground.

"No dropping-off of car passengers will be allowed on the bridge or in New Road - apart from disabled spectators and coaches.

"There is still likely to be congestion in the vicinity of the bridge, both for those attending the concert and also for local residents and other drivers who will be driving in the city and who are not intending to go to the concert.

"Our clear and strong advice is to seek an alternative route and avoid the bridge that afternoon and evening."

All hard-surfaced pay-and-display car parks managed by the city council will remain open until late to allow motorists to return to their cars after the concert has finished. The park-and-ride schemes at Perdiswell and at County Hall will also be operating similarly.

No-waiting restrictions will apply in Bromwich Road, but a dropping-off point for car passengers is planned for Henwick Parade, alongside the River Severn.

An added challenge for Worcester police is that the annual Race For Life takes place in the morning at Worcester racecourse. Race car parks will be signed and contractors will be changing the signs after the Race For Life is completed to ensure all public car parks are clearly signposted for Elton John fans.