WITH hundreds of thousands of people expected to flock to Lowestoft seafront next week, police are calling on residents and visitors to the town to follow vital car parking and crime prevention advice.

WITH hundreds of thousands of people expected to flock to Lowestoft seafront next week, police are calling on residents and visitors to the town to follow vital car parking and crime prevention advice.

Next Thursday and Friday's air show is set to see many people watch the air displays and take advantage of numerous stalls and attractions lining the Esplanade, and to facilitate visitors park and ride facilities will be operating from Dip Farm in Corton to the north of the town and from the Africa Alive site in Kessingland.

Visitors to the festival are being advised to make use of these sites and through traffic will be encouraged to use an alternative route through Oulton Broad, however police are reminding drivers that there may be delays due to the sheer numbers of people likely to be heading to the area.

Inspector Sarsfield Donohue said: 'We would ask motorists to be patient over the two days of the festival as we can expect an increase in traffic and we would urge you to make use of the park and ride facilities or to use public transport if you are planning to come to the sea front. There may be delays, particularly if there are break downs or collisions, but extra staff will be on duty to try to keep any traffic congestion to a minimum.'

As in previous years, a number of roads in the seafront area will be lined, either one side or both, with no waiting cones to allow easy access for emergency vehicles. These include parts of London Road South, Belvedere Road, Horn Hill, Waveney Drive, Kirkley Run, Carlton Road and Marine Parade. Police will operate a strict tow-away system for cars parked in restricted areas.

Police are also asking that drivers and visitors comply with requests from officers and official stewards during the two-day festival.

A large number of additional officers will be on duty, both in uniform and in plain clothes, but wherever there are crowds there are opportunities for thieves so please take sensible precautions to protect your property.

One of the biggest issues for police on the day has been lost youngsters so officers are also reminding parents, grandparents and carers to keep a close eye on their children during the event. A child tagging system will again be operated and this service will be available from programme kiosks along the seafront.