Motorists were seen trying to weave through crowds of people Enlarge Image

The warning came after several cars were spotted weaving through thousands of rugby fans on the day of the Wales versus Italy Six Nations match.

They released CCTV images of the cars, ahead of Saturday's final Six Nations match against France.

South Wales Police said any motorists caught would be punished.

Superintendent Martyn Jones from Cardiff Central Police Station said that the motorists were seen trying to leave the city centre in the minutes before the match started and after the game.

'Unacceptable'

More than 70,000 people attended the match at the Millennium Stadium with thousands more watching the match in pubs and clubs.

The motorists were defying road closures

But a number of cars were seen trying to drive along roads, which had been closed to traffic but which were being used by thousands of people making their way to the stadium.

"The road closures are implemented to ensure the safety of everyone in the city centre," said Supt Jones.

"We want to prevent an accident and take these measures for that reason.

"We are very flexible and allow some access for residents and those with genuine reasons.

"However this is allowed only when it is safe to do so - it is unacceptable for motorists in a hurry to leave the city centre to ignore the road closures and try to make their way through thousands of people putting themselves and pedestrians at risk."

He said that the road closures are put in place two hours before kick-off and are lifted when it is safe to do so.

"The closures allow fans to walk safely along the roads around the stadium creating a unique atmosphere which many people comment favourably on.