POLICE are expecting heavy traffic on the roads this weekend when thousands of cricket fans head towards the Riverside in Chester-le-Street for the clash between Australia and Pakistan.

Eighty police officers and special constables will be on duty on Saturday for the match, which starts at 10.45am.

They will be responsible for traffic flow, parking, crowd behaviour and first aid, along with 180 stewards from Durham County Cricket Club and the county council.

About 5,300 parking spaces have been set aside in north and south car parks, and traffic wardens will be on duty in neighbouring streets, looking for illegal parking.

Anyone not going to the match is advised to avoid the area, especially between 9am and 11am, when traffic is expected to be at its heaviest.

Spectators are reminded they cannot bring alcohol into the ground, although drinks will be on sale throughout the day through the licensed bars.

Inside the stadium, Durham CCC staff are responsible for enforcing ground regulations but the police will assist if any fans misbehave.

Similar planning took place last year when England played the West Indies and Zimbabwe.

Inspector Dave Marshall said: "We experienced few problems last year and obviously hope for the same this time round.

"A huge amount of effort has gone into the planning of the game and people can help both us and themselves by setting off in good time and making for the designated car parks."