Motorists advised to plan their travel as rock fans head to Download Festival
As tens of thousands of rock fans head to Download Festival later this week, National Highways has urged people to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for their journeys.
The music festival at Donington Park runs between Friday, June 12, and Sunday, June 14, and will see Guns N Roses, Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park headlining.
Donington Park is located next to East Midlands Airport, four miles west of junction 23a of the M1 and five miles from junction 24.
The M1, A42, A453, A50 and A38 are expected to see significant increases in traffic, particularly when campsites open on Wednesday, June 10, on Friday, June 12, for fans with three-day camping tickets and early on Monday, June 15, as campers head home.
National Highways is advising ticketholders to follow event signage and travel information from festival organisers for correct directions to festival car parks, rather than relying on satnavs and phone apps.
Luke Thrussell, Senior Network Planner for the Midlands at National Highways, said: “Every year we see thousands of people travelling to Donington Park for the festival, and their satnavs or phone apps will often take them to the wrong location for car parks or through unsuitable routes. This can lead to increased traffic and congestion on roads surrounding the venue.
“Therefore, it is extremely important people follow the correct signage and directions on the Download Festival website for their ticket type.
“Do not assume the route or entry points you have used previously will be the same this year and plan your journey before you set off.”
National Highways will be adding extra traffic officer patrols throughout the festival and will work with event organisers to help keep roads clear and traffic flowing.
Electronic messages on nearby motorways and A roads will also notify motorists of any delays.
More information about making a safe journey can be found at www.nationalhighways.co.uk/roadsafety/trip.
For live traffic updates follow @HighwaysEMIDS on X or visit the National Highways website.
The National Highways 24/7 customer contact centre team can also provide up-to-the minute information on 0300 123 5000.