Rugby World Cup 2015 fans urged to plan their journey ahead of the weekend’s big games

Rugby fans are being urged to plan their journey in and around the city this weekend when Rugby World Cup 2015 comes to Leeds.

Leeds will be hosting two games at Elland Road as part of a weekend of rugby this Saturday and Sunday (September 26-27).

Italy will be playing against Canada on Saturday September 26 at 2.30pm and Scotland will be playing the USA on Sunday September 27 at 2.30pm.

Detailed traffic management plans have been put in place ahead of the games, but routes in and around the city centre are expected to be busy, with many transport arrangements operating differently on match days, so those traveling to the games or catching the action at the Fanzone on Millennium Square are still being advised to plan ahead.

Fans driving into the area on match day can use dedicated spectator Park and Ride and Park and Walk sites.

The two Park and Ride sites are Woodhouse Moor Park and Ride, postcode LS6 2UZ and Sweet Street Park and Ride at LS11 9DB.

Parking is open 10.30am until 8pm on each match day on each match day and costs £10 per vehicle.

For Park and Ride users, frequent free shuttle buses will run 11.30am until 2.15pm and then 3.50pm until 7pm from the car park.

The Elland Road Park and Walk can be found at LS11 0ES and will be open 10.30am until 8pm on each match day, with parking located a short walk from the stadium costing £10 per vehicle. Open 10.30am until 8pmon each match day.

There is also some parking for blue badge holders at the stadium.

Park and Ride/Walk spaces can be pre-booked at www.myringgo.co.uk/parkinglocator?opid=60148

There are limited spaces and booking is the only way to guarantee a space.

Tickets, using the receipt tab, should be printed off and brought on the day.

Local road closures will be in operation after the match for up to 45 mins to allow crowds to disperse.

Train services are also expected to be busy on the day, so those travelling by rail should book tickets in advance and arrive well before kick-off.

A spectator shuttle bus will also be running on match days, providing direct access from close to the train station to the stadium.

The shuttle bus will run from Sovereign Street to the stadium from 11.30am until 2.15pm -14:15 and from the stadium to the station from 3.50pm until 8pm-10pm on Saturday 26 September and 3.50pm until 7pm on Sunday, September 27.

Tickets for the shuttle bus cost £3 return (£1.50 children).

Buses will be in operation on match days but a bus diversion will be in place on Elland Road from one hour before the match. Additional information on local bus services in Leeds is available from Metro at www.wymetro.com

For more details on planning your journey, visit http://journeyplanner.rugbyworldcup.com, follow @RWC2015Travel or visit http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/travel/leeds

Anyone not traveling into town for the matches may want to avoid the busiest times of the day and can visit www.rugbyworldcup.com/gameplan for more information.

To view Fanzone locations and opening dates, visit www.rugbyworldcup.com/fanzones.For more information about Rugby World Cup 2015 in Leeds visit www.leeds.gov.uk/rugbyworldcup2015 or follow @RWC2015Leeds on twitter

ENDS

Fore further media enquiries, please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 224 3937

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk