The Corporation of Hamilton warned yesterday that it is anticipating a shortage of parking as construction begins at Bulls Head parking lot this week.

"We would encourage anyone who can find an alternative to driving their car into the City to do so, whether it is by public transportation or car pooling," said Corporation secretary Roger Sherratt yesterday. "Construction work is getting underway this week on an additional floor for Bulls Head ... and it means that parts of the car park will be closed off for parking from now until the project is completed by D&J Construction next spring."

Mr. Sherratt said the western end of the top floor would be closed for the first few months, although most of the top floor would still be available for parking.

As construction progressed, he said it would move towards the eastern end of the top floor, making it necessary to close off the up-ramp.

Motorists are asked to obey directional signs and avoid the actual construction areas, which will be clearly marked.

"We are anticipating that no more than 120 of the 720 parking spaces will be lost at any one time, and we will be doing everything possible to minimise any inconvenience to the motoring public," said Mr. Sherratt.