City of York Council's highway chiefs are warning of severe delays on Saturday if the planned strike of First bus drivers goes ahead.

The council's transport planners are working to minimise disruption caused by the planned strike, which is expected to see only the Grimston Bar and Rawcliffe Bar Park & Ride sites operational, with no intermediate stops.

Andy Hudson, assistant director, environment and development, said: "We will be putting warning messages on the new variable message signs and are having special road signs made to give people coming into the city advance warning of the closure of some of the Park & Ride sites. Whilst we are expecting two sites to remain open, it is likely that the frequency of the buses will be significantly reduced and demand could be very high. "The council is doing all we can to minimise congestion and disruption and one of the key ways residents can help is by using alternative forms of transport such as walking and cycling and by putting off unnecessary car trips where possible, or sharing journeys. We expect traffic levels to be very high in what is one of the busiest weekends of the year."

Information detailing bus services, which will run on Saturday will be available in council receptions, libraries, leisure centres and at the bus information office in George Hudson Street. The information can also be found on the council's website at www.york.gov.uk or by calling 01904 551400. Information on York's car share website - www.carshareyork.com - is also available.