Park and ride users have been warned to expect disruption as bus drivers join in security guards' strike action later this month.

Security staff are set to strike on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for two weeks starting on Monday, April 16, at the Oxford City Council-run Peartree, Redbridge and Seacourt sites in a dispute over working conditions.

But the row has intensified after it emerged Oxford Bus Company drivers vowed not to cross picket lines, meaning passengers would be dropped off "at the nearest bus stops", but not actually at the sites.

In effect, the service will become park, walk and ride during the rush hour.

The security guards plan to strike between 7.30am and 8.30am and have warned users that their action could escalate.

Users of the Peartree site have been warned that buses would be completely suspended during the hour of the strike.

As previously reported in the Oxford Mail, the row erupted over plans by the council to save cash by making security guards work alone at night.

Union bosses think that would compromise safety, and are pressing ahead with a series of one-hour walk-outs after talks broke down for a second time.

Security guard Craig Barlow, who is paid £15,825, said: "The council said we could work on our own and it wasn't a change to our job description.

"It will be an inconvenience to people and we don't want that, but (bus drivers) are not prepared to cross our picket line.

"At the end of the day this is our safety and you can't put a price on that."

City council spokesman Louisa Dean said: "The new system would ensure there is someone on duty to monitor security and to assist the public - if required - between 7.15am and 11.15pm Monday to Saturday and 9am until 5pm on Sundays.

"The 12 staff, who earn an average of £21,366.30, have been fully consulted and were involved during the risk assessment process before any plans were drawn up for the scheme."

Oxford Bus Company spokesman Phil Ashworth said: "We will be running full, normal services but picking up from the nearest bus stops to the park and ride car parks."