RESIDENTS are being urged not to get caught in traffic jams, with nearly 100,000 revellers expected to descend on the town for Reading Festival.

Roads will be busy throughout the weekend (August 24-26) and in the days leading up to the festival, with around 80,00 tickets sold.

Parking restrictions will be in place around the Richfield Avenue site and people are being advised to avoid travelling in this area unless necessary.

Councillor Tony Page, deputy leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “Reading Festival is a fantastic event which brings with it a huge boost for local businesses and the town’s economy.

"Working with Festival Republic, the council has built up many years of experience of hosting the event but the town will of course be extremely busy, both before and after the festival.

“As always, we would strongly advise residents to plan ahead for the delays that will inevitably occur with 100,000 festival revellers in Reading. The quickest way to get around during festival time is often by public transport.”

Residents who do need to travel are being advised to leave plenty of time and to consider using buses to get around the town.

As was the case last year, there will be closures in place on Richfield Avenue between the junctions with Cardiff Road and Tessa Road from 10.30pm to 1am across the festival weekend to ensure revellers can exit the site as easily as possible.

There will also be temporary traffic restrictions on Vastern Road roundabout on Bank Holiday Monday.

Throughout the duration of the festival a temporary taxi rank will be operating in Tessa Road, opposite Rivermead Leisure Centre.

Council staff have been working in partnership with festival organisers to produce informative leaflets, which have been distributed to bus and rail providers.

Visitors are being reminded to pre-book private hire vehicles and to report any suspicious activity to Thames Valley Police.

A new travel app - Get Your Coat - was recently launched by Safer Road Berkshire to help people get home safely.