Drivers advised to plan journeys ahead of British Grand Prix at Silverstone next weekend (3-5 July)
Motorists using the M1 and the A43 in the East Midlands and the M40 around Oxfordshire are being advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys with the British Grand Prix being staged at Silverstone next weekend.
Steve Parker, emergency planning officer for Highways England in the East Midlands, said:
About 315,000 people are expected to attend over the course of the three days and while Highways England does all we can to alleviate congestion and keep the traffic flowing, obviously it will be busier than normal in this area.
We have a lot of experience of handling events like this and have tried and tested systems in place. We work with our emergency service colleagues to ensure those heading for the event get there with minimum fuss and delays.
Motorists not planning to attend the grand prix should plan ahead and leave extra time and check our twitter feeds and website for the latest information to ease their journeys over that weekend.
On 3, 4 and 5 July, the A43 will be closed to through traffic between Brackley and Towcester. The road will be closed from 5am until 9pm each day and non-race traffic is advised to avoid the area if at all possible.
Road users heading for the Grand Prix will be directed along one-way systems, and this system will be reversed as traffic leaves the event.
Highways England will use its electronic message signs on approaching motorways to give drivers information about any diversions and delays, and provide up-to-the minute traffic information using local radio.
Northamptonshire Police have been reminding motorists attending the Grand Prix that they must park at their campsite of choice, or in accordance with Silverstone Circuit’s parking instructions. All parking restrictions within local villages, and on the main routes in and around the circuit, must be observed.
Superintendent Mick Stamper, who is leading the policing over the weekend, said:
Northamptonshire Police will do everything we can to make sure everyone coming to the British Grand Prix has an enjoyable and safe weekend.
Improvements to the road network around Silverstone have reduced delays to a minimum; however, motorists should still allow additional time for journeys to and from both Silverstone and the neighbouring area during the Grand Prix weekend.
I would urge all those driving to the events to pay particular attention to direction signs on the major roads.
Further information including travel updates can be found at the Northants Police website and the Silverstone website.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.