A WINCHESTER sixth form college is advising people heading for its open evenings next week to use park and ride to avoid traffic snarl-ups.

Peter Symonds College wants to avoid congestion on the roads around the campus in Fulflood.

The evenings on October 21-22 are likely to attract hundreds of potential students and their parents from across Hampshire.

Symonds has arranged for free shuttle buses in partnership with Stagecoach, to operate on both evenings.

From the Park & Ride South car park (Badger Farm Road) a bus will run from 5.30-8pm.

There will also be a free bus from the Cattle Market car park to the college.

The last departure times of both buses from the college to each car park will be 9pm when the event ends.

Stephen Carville, principal, said: “By putting on these special services, we are hoping to minimise congestion in the surrounding residential roads, as well as making it easier for our visitors to get to the college.

"We strongly recommend that anyone travelling by car, uses the Park & Ride South car park rather than braving the city centre congestion.”

Welcome points will be set up at both car parks where members of college staff will be on hand to provide information and to help open evening visitors.