Drivers are being warned to plan their journeys ahead of the Pope's visit to London this week.

The Highways Agency has warned of possible delays across London as thousands travel to see the Pope on September 17 and 18.

"The Pope will be visiting London and there may be increased traffic on approaches to the M25 and other roads heading into and out of central London," said a Highways Agency spokesman.

Highways Agency Planning Manager, Jenny Moten, said: "Highways Agency Traffic Officers will be on patrol in locations where there may be additional traffic, to ensure that incidents are cleared quickly.

"Only those with pre-booked tickets obtained through their Catholic parish will be admitted to the Mass.

"Because of the level of traffic expected, all road-users should take particular care to plan their journeys and check traffic conditions before travelling.

"Live traffic information is available from our website, and information will be fed to local and national radio travel bulletins and mobile platforms, such as the iPhone. Electronic message signs will give up to the minute information on traffic conditions from our National Traffic Control Centre."

Drivers can get up-to-the-minute information on road conditions on the Highways Agency’s website, www.highways.gov.uk For more information about the Pope’s visit www.thepapalvisit.org.uk