A TRAFFIC order will be in place around the University of Plymouth next week as thousands of students return to the city.

A one-way system will be introduced around the Gibbon Lane area, near the university, from Sunday as students arrive for the new academic year.

Plymouth City Council will enforce the order — however, it is only expected to apply this Sunday, and on Wednesday and Thursday next week.

The council is also suspending the maximum two-hour stay in pay and display parking bays between 8am and 6pm in Tavistock Place, Regent Street, Gibbon Street and Gibbon Lane from Sunday.

A council spokesman said: "The order is for a temporary one-way arrangement and suspension of the two-hour parking restrictions."

The university's freshers' week will begin the week after the restrictions are expected to be in place.

About 4,000 University of Plymouth students are set to arrive in the city for the first time, part of around 20,000 based at the city campus.

Marjons, home to a further 3,500 students, is expecting around 500 new starters, while up to 3,000 youngsters aged 16-18 are beginning at City College Plymouth and many more at Plymouth College of Art.

A university spokesman said the Temporary Traffic Order will be in place 'much as it has been in past years'.

Marian Hayes, who is responsible for student accommodation at the university, said: "The university has worked with the police and the city council to agree a temporary traffic system that is designed to keep city centre traffic flowing while the new residents arrive.

"We have done this for several years now, and experience has shown this is the best way of minimising congestion.

"We have four halls of residence in the Gibbon Street location, with more than 1,000 rooms, and each student will be arriving according to a timed schedule.

"We have delivered letters to residents and traders in the area."

Comment — Page 10