A WORCESTER car park has had new signs installed in a bid to help the Christmas rush.

The variable message signs have been installed at St Martin's Gate as a result of the Best Value review of parking services in the city.

"It's hoped the new system of messages will help reduce congestion both within the car park and in particular around St Martin's Gate and City Walls Road," said Andy Walford, principal engineer at Worcester City Council.

"The signs faces can change to show messages such as "spaces", "nearly full" or "full".

"This car park has the largest capacity in the city and is linked via a footbridge straight into the central shopping area, so it makes good sense for shoppers to chose it during peak periods as there's a better chance of finding a space than in some of the smaller car parks.

"During the busy periods in the run up to Christmas, the car park may have limited spaces."