THOUSANDS of well-wishers are expected along the Solent coastline on Monday for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to wish Queen Mary 2 bon voyage on her maiden sailing.

Police have warned drivers to expect traffic jams and parking problems as people flock to vantage points along the shore from Lee-on-the-Solent to Calshot.

But while Eastleigh police are predicting traffic mayhem, colleagues in Southampton and the New Forest are playing down likely problems.

Hedge End-based Inspector Paul Newstead has issued a warning to motorists who are planning to watch the historic event from Hamble, Netley's Royal Victoria Country Park or Weston Shore, to expect the worst.

When the ship arrived in Southampton on Boxing Day, thousands of people from all over the country converged on the area to catch a glimpse of the magnificent new transatlantic liner as she entered her home port.

Police say that caused problems on the roads leading to prime viewing points along the water's edge.

Insp Newstead said: "Even though Monday is a normal working day and the weather forecasters are predicting rain, we still anticipate that a very large number of people will turn up for this historic event.

"This is likely to cause similar congestion on the roads to that which we experienced on Boxing Day, and motorists should be prepared to arrive early or expect delays and problems parking their vehicles."

He added: "For safety reasons we will be coning off the narrow School Lane on its approaches to Hamble and will prohibit parking along this road from its junction with Copse Lane."

Parking facilities in Hamble are limited and local police are advising sightseers to use the Royal Victoria Country Park in Netley, where 300 parking spaces are available.

However, around 150 additional car parking spaces have being made available at Hamble Point to help ease the expected congestion.

Hamble's community beat officer Graham Shepard said: "We have successfully negotiated with the landowners of Hamble Point this additional parking provision. The landowners will not be making a charge to motorists using the site, but will invite them to make a donation to the RNLI."

A spokeswoman for Southampton and New Forest police said while they anticipated there would be extra congestion they did not anticipate there would be mayhem.

She urged drivers using roads leading to vantage points to leave extra time for their journeys and to be patient, and for those not going to see the QM2 to avoid the area if possible.

THE MAIDEN VOYAGE: A FULL ITINERARY:

5pm: A spectacular fireworks display will mark QM2's departure before the huge liner slips her moorings from the QE2 terminal at Berth 38/39.

5.30pm: QM2 will depart from the QE2 terminal to sail up Southampton Water.

5.45pm: QM2 will sail past Town Quay for the first time.

5.50pm: Another firework display will take place as the ship slowly passes Mayflower Park.

6pm: QM2 will negotiate a 180-degree turn close to the Container Terminal to sail back down Southampton Water.

6.35pm: The ship will once more pass Mayflower Park.

6.40pm: The ship will again pass by Town Quay.

7pm: QM2 will sail past Weston Shore.

7.05pm: QM2 will pass in front of Royal Victoria Country Park.

7.20pm: QM2 will sail past Hamble.