THOUSANDS of prospective university students will descend on Oxford today and tomorrow as Oxford University stages two open days.

Similar events in recent years have led to traffic problems around the city.

The university has urged those coming to Oxford to use public transport to reach the city, or to use the park-and-ride bus services, particularly from Water Eaton, near Kidlington, which has more spare capacity than the other sites.

The Oxford Bus Company is operating two extra buses on No 500 park-and ride services between Water Eaton and St Giles, to give a bus every 10 minutes each way, and is also laying on extra buses on route 300 between Redbridge and Pear Tree.

Businesses in Little Clarendon Street, St Giles and other parts of the city centre have been informed about the event. More than 14,000 people are expected to visit university departments and colleges over the two days.