Motorists advised to allow extra time as hundreds of thousands head to Silverstone for British Grand Prix
Drivers have been advised to plan their journeys and allow extra time around Brackley and South Northamptonshire this week as hundreds of thousands of motorsport fans head to Silverstone for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix.
Around 570,000 people are expected to attend Britain’s biggest motorsport event, which runs from Thursday, July 2 to Sunday, July 5.
Residents have been warned to expect busy roads and delays from as early as Wednesday, July 1, as the first fans arrive, until Monday 6 July, when everyone leaves the site.
Just like previous years, a one-way system will be in place on the A43 on Saturday and Sunday between the new Towcester Relief Road roundabout and the B4525 Interchange near Syresham.
This system will also be in place as a contingency plan for Friday if the roads are particularly busy.
The one-way system will direct traffic towards the circuit from 5am to 3pm, and then take people away from the venue from 3pm until 11pm.
Dadford Road, between Silverstone village and the circuit, will operate as a one-way route on Friday morning and throughout Saturday and Sunday.
The road will carry traffic towards the circuit in the mornings, then switch to outbound traffic in the afternoons.
Luke Thrussell, senior network planner at National Highways, said:“The British Grand Prix is always well attended and residents nearby should expect some delays throughout the four-day event, especially during peak travel times on the weekend as people arrive for the start in the mornings and depart at the end of the day.
“Anybody heading to Silverstone should make sure they leave plenty of time for their trip, and we would advise anyone else to avoid the area if possible.”
Anyone attending the event is advised to refer to their car parking pass and follow event signs from the M1 and M40 for the correct route rather than relying on their satnavs.
Extra National Highways traffic officers will also be on hand in the area over the four days to keep traffic flowing and ensure any incidents are cleared as quickly as possible.
Travel information for local residents can be found here: https://www.silverstone.co.uk/about/local-community/bgp-event-information