Bradford Council today urged people attending the district’s Olympic Torch Relay later this month to walk or use public transport.

With thousands of spectators expected to welcome the flame on Sunday, June 24, road closures and parking restrictions will be in place in Bradford, Keighley and Ilkley to ease congestion.

Information signs about road closures, restrictions and likely congestion were being placed around the district from today.

Major roads affected in Bradford include Man-chester Road, Prince’s Way, Sunbridge Road, Manning-ham Road, Hamm Strasse, Marlborough Road, Queen’s Road and Keighley Road.

In Keighley, South Street, High Street, North Street, Alice Street, Spring Gardens Lane and Cavendish Street will be closed.

In Ilkley, Skipton Road, Church Street, Leeds Road, Brook Street, New Brook Street and Middleton Avenue will be affected.

Parking restrictions will be in place from 6am on the day and roads will be closed about 30 minutes before the torch arrives.

Celebration events will be held in City Park and Lister Park in Bradford from 1pm while other events are also planned in Ilkley and Keighley.

The flame will arrive in Bradford at about 2.40pm, in Keighley about 3.40pm and in Ilkley about 4.45pm.

Ian Bairstow, Bradford Council’s strategic director for environment and sport, said: “The Torch Relay promises to be a fantastic day for the Bradford district which is enjoyed by thousands of people.

“Given the scale of the event and the likely big crowds, it is important we make everyone aware of the road restrictions and closures.

“We are putting warning signs on the routes affected and I would urge everyone to make themselves aware in advance of how their journeys could be affected.

“We will do everything we can to keep the disruption to a minimum during what promises to be a very memorable day and I thank everyone in advance for their patience.”

For more information about the Torch Relay and road closures go to bradfordgold.com.