BOXING Day sales at Bicester Village are to start an hour earlier in a bid to continue the no-traffic trend of Black Friday.

In recent years, shoppers have gridlocked the town's roads during popular shopping days but the outlet hopes the extended hours will help combat this.

The designer outlet will open an hour earlier than usual at 7am through until 9pm and is hoped will help spread out the expected peak in shoppers throughout the day and into the new year.

Bicester Village spokeswoman Miranda Markham said: "The same traffic measures will be put into place during the busy Boxing Day weekend and Bank Holiday weekend – with the added benefit of the new Park and Ride car park and the new train service.

"The period is expected to be busy over a number of days rather than just one day.

"Bicester Village did not promote Black Friday this year but prepared for a busy Friday and weekend with extended trading hours. This helped to alleviate congestion during the busy commuter times and provided a better overall experience for both residents and guests."

Last year traffic measures such as traffic marshalls, electronic information signs and temporary parking bans in nearby residential streets were used.

This helped avoid the traffic problems of Black Friday 2014 which caused major tailbacks as shoppers flocked to Bicester Village for the sale bargains.

Shoppers will also be descending on Oxford for the annual Boxing Day sales.

Department stores Marks & Spencer and Debenhams will be open from 8am until 6pm, and Primark will be open from 9am to 6pm.

Boswells will be closed on Boxing Day.