THE King and Queen Consort are set for a special visit to Colchester this week and with it comes parking bans and car park closures for the event.

King Charles III and Camilla will visit the city tomorrow, Tuesday, March 7, as part of the year of celebration to mark Colchester's first year as a modern city.

Their Majesties will visit Colchester Castle, marking Colchester’s recently awarded city status with community groups, volunteers, local businesses, conservation projects and arts organisations.

During the visit, Their Majesties will also unveil the name of Colchester Zoo’s newest addition, a baby white rhino.

They will then travel onwards to Colchester Library to take afternoon tea with Age UK volunteers and service users and learn about the library’s impact in the community through the Essex Year of Reading.

However, during the visit, certain restrictions will be in place.

Drivers should be aware that there are some changes to car park opening hours and some restrictions on parking elsewhere.

Two car parks are also set for closure.

Napier Road South Car Park will be closed on March 6 and 7 and Sheepen Road Car Park will be closed on March 7

Gazette: Napier Road Car ParkNapier Road Car Park (Image: Google Maps)

Gazette: Sheepen Road Car ParkSheepen Road Car Park (Image: Google Maps)

However, all other council-owned car parks will be open.

In terms of parking bans, on Monday, March 6, parking restrictions will be in force in the High Street from 1pm and 11pm for various roads.

These are Head Street, North Hill, Culver Street West, Sir Issacs Walk, Eld Lane, Castle Bailey, Museum Street, St Nicholas Square and Queen Street.

The council has said any vehicles that have been left once the parking restrictions come into force will be moved.

Access into Priory Street will also be affected by a redirection of traffic with vehicles accessing the car park between 7am and 2pm. Cars will enter off East Hill and exit via Queen Street.

Lastly, on March 7, some city centre roads will be closed during the Royal visit during 7am to 2pm.

These are East Hill (Upwards from Roman Road), High Street, North Hill, Head Street, Culver Street West and Sir Isaacs Walk.

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “Visitors and residents are advised to plan before they travel.

“For information on bus travel, we advise you visit bus operators’ websites.

“Park and Ride services will be running as normal, but with a diversion due to the road closures in place.”

For more information on the Royal Visit, go to colchester.gov.uk/royal-visit.