Thousands of festival-goers are expected to descend on Reading

Locals have been told to walk, cycle or use the bus for any short journeys across the Berkshire town on the Thursday and Friday of the event.

Meanwhile, festival-goers are being warned to steer clear of using unlicensed private hire vehicles that may try to operate during the weekend.

Thousands of music-lovers are expected in the town over the Bank Holiday.

'Hassle-free festival'

But traffic bosses expect congestion to be at its worst in the town centre on Thursday, 25 August, and Friday, 26 August.

The police and Reading Borough Council have also vowed to crack down on people parking illegally and causing an obstruction.

Trading standards and licensing officers will also be out in force to stop illegal traders operating along Caversham Road and Richfield Avenue.

Tom Crisp, Reading's assistant lead councillor for transport, said: "The rock festival is a great asset to Reading, but it is essential that congestion is kept to a minimum and parking carefully managed to minimise the problems for both residents and visitors."

Pixies, Foo Fighters and Iron Maiden are headlining the three-day event at Richfield Avenue.