CAR parking restrictions will come into effect at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium when the Tour of Britain hits town.

West Car Parks One and Two are being closed for the 16 teams and 96 professional cyclists taking part in stage five of the Tour.

Parking will be available in the South Car Park, but anyone wishing to use it will need to be there by 9am, ahead of the Stanley Matthews Way closure.

From 6pm tonight until 1pm on Wednesday, no vehicle access will be permitted from the roundabout which leads into the stadium.

Tony Scholes, Stoke City chief executive, pictured, said: "We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

These measures are necessary to ensure the cycling event passes successfully and also safely."