Drivers urged to plan journeys ahead of Devon County Show
The three-day event gets underway this Thursday (30 June)
Last updated 28th Jun 2022
Drivers planning to use the M5 near Exeter are advised to plan their journeys ahead of this week’s three-day Devon County Show at the Westpoint Arena.
The show - to be held on Thursday, 30 June, Friday, 1 July and Saturday, 2 July - averages an attendance of up to 100,000 people over the three days at the Clyst St Mary venue near Exeter.
National Highways say increased traffic is anticipated on the M5 north and south of junctions 29 and 30, the A30 east and west of Exeter and the A38 south of Exeter.
They add that congestion has previously occurred during the morning influx to the show, particularly the M5 northbound between junctions 31 and 30, and traffic is likely to be particularly busy on the Thursday morning.
M5 traffic will be directed to use junction 30 to access the showground via the A376 and A3052, while A30 westbound traffic will be directed to exit at the Daisy Mount junction and use the B3180 and A3052.
John Ingram, National Highways' Emergency Planner for the South West, said: "We are working closely with our partners at Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Police to give drivers as much advice as possible to help them plan their journeys during this busy period, and our traffic officers will be patrolling the M5, A38 and A30 to assist with any breakdowns and incidents.
"Junction 30 of the M5 could be particularly busy and the north approach to junction 30 could also see significant increases in traffic between 8am and 10.30am over the three days when visitors to the Devon Show could be using the motorway at the same time as local, freight and holiday traffic.
"The A30 east and west of Exeter and A38 south of Exeter could also see increases in traffic, and drivers are advised to plan their travel routes well in advance, and to keep up to date with the latest road conditions. Yellow signs will advise show visitors which route to take on the approaches to the show."
In the meantime, drivers can obtain up-to-the-minute travel information on our traffic and travel page and on-air on Greatest Hits Radio Devon.
National Highways South West will also be providing travel information on their Twitter feed, their National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000 and their website.