Bicester Village brings in traffic marshals for Christmas

Bicester Village was forced to close temporarily on Black Friday last month

A shopping outlet has drafted in traffic marshals and electronic signs in a bid to reduce congestion over Christmas.

Bicester Village was forced to close temporarily on Black Friday last month after roads into the market town became completely blocked with cars.

Managers have been working with the police and county council on the issue.

Sgt Steve Willis from Thames Valley Police said plans were now in place to tackle the traffic problems.

"We saw the problems first hand on Black Friday and have listened to the feedback," he added.

The outlet's new traffic operator marshalled during the 2012 London Olympics.

It has also applied for temporary traffic orders which could lead to fines for shoppers parking in residential areas.

These are expected to be in place before Boxing Day, traditionally the outlet's busiest day of the year.

Bicester Village also confirmed it would repair all the grass verges damaged by drivers parking in residential areas on Black Friday.