Traffic restrictions during Ulster Covenant parade

Bands will only play hymns outside a north Belfast Catholic church on Saturday

Police have said a number of traffic restrictions will be in place this Saturday in Belfast during the Ulster Covenant Orange Order parade.

They said the parade is scheduled to start in the city centre at 10:15 BST.

It is expected to travel along the following streets: Carlisle Street, Clifton Street, Upper Donegall Street, Royal Avenue, Donegall Place, Donegall Square, North Chicester Street, Victoria Street, Albert Square, Donegall Quay, Middlepath Street, Newtownards Road and Upper Newtownards Road.

The head of the parade is scheduled to arrive at Prince of Wales Gate at Stormont at approximately 13:45 BST.

The police said the return journey of the parade is scheduled to start at 16:00 BST.

It is expected to travel along the following streets: Stormont Estate, Massey Avenue, Belmont Road, Holywood Road, Newtownards Road, Bridge End, Ann Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Junction, Royal Avenue, Upper Donegall Street, Clifton Street and Carlisle Circus.

The anticipated end of the parade is 18:00 BST.

A number of smaller parades are also scheduled to take place in the south and east of the city on Saturday morning from 08:00 BST to 10:00 BST.

PSNI Chief Superintendent Alan McCrum said: "Given the volume of people involved, it will take a significant period of time for the parade to complete the journey to and from Stormont.

"As such, traffic restrictions will be in place for a considerable part of Saturday along the parade route.

"Should you have an appointment scheduled on Saturday 29 September 2012, we would advise that you allow extra time for your journey.

"Road closures will undoubtedly result in traffic congestion around Stormont, across east Belfast and in the city centre."

Chief Supt McCrum said people travelling to Belfast City Airport should also consider their route, as the Outer Ring at Knock Road would "be closed to through traffic for a significant period of time as the parade passes".

Police have also asked those who may be attending the event as a spectator to plan their journey in advance.