England's roads authority, National Highways, is getting ready for one of the most disruptive events of the year.
A complex traffic management plan is in place as "heavy congestion" is expected on motorways and major roads in the county of Yorkshire for the three-day Leeds Festival this weekend, whose headliners include Billie Eilish and The Killers.
“Leeds Festival has the second-biggest impact on traffic on our network after the British Grand Prix," explains National Highways operations manager Dave Skupski.
"It’s a huge event with up to 90,000 people expected to attend. Give yourself plenty of time to get there. Follow the signs, and don’t rely on your satnavs."
He said that even non-festival goers should take note: “Even if you’re not planning to attend, please make sure you allow plenty of time for your journey if you’re travelling around this area. If possible, avoid the expected peak festival arrival and departure times, and consider travelling at different times if you can.”
The A1, A1(M), M1, M62 and A64 are all likely to be busy at key times between now and Monday 28 August.
The national Bank Holiday on 28 August, along with roadworks in the area, will also increase traffic on the roads.
National Highways has worked with organiser Festival Republic, West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council to plan traffic management and "keep disruption to a minimum".
“This year, there will be extra resource around the junction 44 roundabout for the period as people are leaving the festival. There will be additional traffic officers on duty, patrolling or parked up at strategic points to help manage traffic and keep drivers on the move. Electronic variable message signs will be used to advise motorway users in advance as well as during the event to direct traffic, warn of incidents and any congestion," Skupski adds.
“As usual, we’ve ensured there are no roadworks in the immediate area over the weekend and our control room operators will be closely monitoring motorway traffic using CCTV cameras."
“Our message to anyone heading to the festival or using those key routes around Leeds over the weekend is to plan your journey, check traffic conditions before setting out and give yourself plenty of time. Don’t underestimate how busy the roads will be.”
Traffic is expected to be particularly heavy from 10am to 1pm each day on Friday to Sunday.
National Highways says the busiest times as people leave are likely to be between 11pm on Sunday night and 2am on Bank Holiday Monday morning, and then from 8am to 2pm later that day.
The northbound exit slip road at Junction 45 of the A1(M) will be closed from 4am to 2pm on Monday to support traffic leaving the festival.
