Stay away, find another route - or better still, go by bus, train or bike - that's the message from experts who predict chaos when part of Oxford's ring road is shut from midnight tomorrow.

The A34 between Botley and Peartree roundabout will be closed northbound for five weeks for resurfacing and bridge repair work.

The worst troublespots are expected to be in the Abingdon and Didcot areas as traffic leaves the A34 at Hinksey Hill to follow diversions to the east and north of Oxford.

Paul Watters, of the AA, predicted "a nightmare for drivers".

He said: "The A34 is the main route for traffic travelling from the South to the Midlands, and the stretch around Oxford is busy at the best of times.

"The Highways Agency is predicting half-hour delays, but in reality we could see much longer hold-ups."

Police say there is a high risk of accidents unless drivers are patient and act sensibly.

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