'Do not drive' alert issued in Manchester as transport bosses warn of busiest weekend of the year

Manchester will host the Christmas markets, Paul McCartney, Disney on Ice and the Manchester derby. Credit: PA Images / Disney

Transport bosses have issued a "do not drive" warning for a city centre ahead of one the busiest weekends of the year.

Transport for Greater Manchester says traffic will be at its peak in Manchester on 14 and 15 December as events are planned on both days at the Co-op Live and AO Arena, and derby day takes place at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Thousands are also expected to attend the Manchester Christmas markets alongside many others out doing their Christmas shopping.

Visitors are being advised to avoid driving where possible, and instead take public transport with increased tram capacity and pop-up Park and Ride sites to help ease the pressure.

What events are taking place?

AO Arena: Disney on Ice - 10.30am, 2.30pm, 6.30pm 14 December + 10.30am, 2.30pm 15 December

Co-op Live: Paul McCartney - doors from 6.30pm 14 and 15 December

Etihad Stadium: Manchester City v Manchester United - 4.30pm 15 December

Manchester city centre: Christmas markets

Transport for Greater Manchester have warned of traffic congestion ahead of "the busiest weekend of the year". Credit: Transport for Greater Manchester

In a statement, Transport for Greater Manchester bosses said: “Please do not drive into the city centre this weekend. With many events, Xmas shoppers and other visitors, traffic will be at its peak.

"Use the tram, or, if you do need to drive, use one of our Park and Ride sites.”

Pop-up Park and Ride sites will free up 1,500 extra parking spaces in the area, so visitors can drive in and then use the tram to get into the city centre.

Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at TfGM said: “Manchester’s economy is thriving, with loads of brilliant events and lots of people wanting to visit the city centre.

“With Christmas fast approaching and huge events taking place at Co-op Live, the Etihad and AO Arena, we’re expecting this to be the busiest weekend of the year," he added.

"This time of year is always really busy in the city centre and our efforts are about making it easier for everyone – whether travelling by car, public transport or active travel – to support local businesses, get to work and meet up with loved ones."

Merseyside Police have asked people to "drink sensibly" during the busy Christmas weekends. Credit: ITV News

Manchester is not the only city expected to be busy at the weekend. Merseyside Police has warned visitors to Liverpool to celebrate sensibly and be wary of thieves and pickpockets ahead of the busy weekends leading up to Christmas.

The force is warning people to take care of their valuables and be aware of their surroundings at cashpoints as part of their annual Operation Shepherd campaign to reduce crime during the festive season.

Chief Inspector Christopher Bland, Operation Shepherd Lead said: "We know the next few weekends will be busy in the city and in other town centres and areas across our region.“We will have an increased police presence each weekend throughout the Christmas build up, targeting the minority of people who are intent on causing misery over the festive period, whether that’s by stealing people’s belongings or committing violent offences.“For those who visit the shops, bars, clubs and restaurants, we want them to do so safely and get home safely. Please plan ahead and drink sensibly. We want everyone to have an enjoyable weekend.”

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