MOTORISTS are being asked to avoid the centre of York and to use public transport on the day of the Queen’s visit next Thursday.

Over 15,000 people are expected to visit York at the time of the Royal visit, when there will be a blanket road closure of the city centre between 10am and 1.30pm, City of York Council has said.

Visitors are being advised to use Park and Ride services, public transport or alternative travel such as cycling into the city centre.

All public transport services will be affected and delays are expected throughout the day, the council said.

Coun Sonja Crisp, cabinet member for leisure, culture and social inclusion, said: “With over 15,000 people expected to visit our city on this very special day during the Easter holidays, it’s going to give York’s economy a massive boost. But with so many visitors coming to York there’s realistically going to be unavoidable traffic delays too.”

Blue Badge access and accessible parking will be limited. Only accessible parking in Colliergate and King’s Square will be unaffected.

Restrictions will also be in place on Wednesday evening throughout parts of the city centre.

Shop deliveries, loading and unloading will be affected on Thursday on Blake St, Duncombe Place and High Petergate, which are closed from 9am.

The city walls between Baile Hill and Lendal will be closed all morning and will reopen at 11am and the City Walls between Monk Bar and Bootham Bar will reopen at 1.30pm.

Access to Micklegate will be restricted until 7pm, as residents and retailers hold a street party to celebrate The Queen’s visit.