Bank holiday traffic plans in place as Leeds hosts 3 major events

Drivers are being advised that motorways and major A roads leading to the Leeds Festival site at Bramham Park are likely to be busy as music fans make their way to the site.

Increased levels of traffic are also expected on Monday 28 August as people leave the festival.

Leeds Festival bosses have revealed new plans to ensure the city stays on the move.

Festival Republic have been working with all traffic agencies since last year’s event to produce a traffic management plan in a bid to increase safety, ease congestion around and through local villages, minimise disruption and ensure the safety of residents and Leeds Festival attendees.

A series of changes are being implemented which aim to "significantly improve" upon last year’s plan.

Emergency planning manager for Highways England in Yorkshire, Hayley Robson said:

“Highways England will be doing all we can to alleviate congestion on the major routes to the event to keep traffic flowing, even so it will be busier than normal in this area over the festival weekend.

“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 and the event organisers to ensure those heading for the events get there with minimum fuss and delays.

“Drivers are advised to plan and check their travel routes in advance, and to keep up-to-date with the latest road conditions.”

What roads are affected?

Traffic travelling northbound will access the festival site on the A1 for Leeds at junction 45, southbound traffic will be directed to use junction 44.

The A64 will be closed from 9pm on Sunday 27 August at the Bramham Interchange and the Fox and Grapes pub until mid-afternoon on Monday 28 August.

It will be completely closed eastbound at the Fox and Grapes pub and signed as closed westbound at Bramham Interchange.

Incoming traffic for pick up will use junction 44 of the A1(M) turning left onto the A64 towards Leeds.

Non-festival traffic is advised to consider alternative routes or allow more time for their journey.

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 via local radio and our website.

Travelling by train

Thousands of excited revellers are also expected to pass through Leeds station during the course of the five-day event.

As well as Leeds festival, there are other high profile events taking place across the north east over the bank holiday weekend, such as York races and test cricket at Headingley.

Network Rail is urging festival-goers who will be using the station during the course of the weekend to stay safe around the tracks and platforms, whilst extra staff are being deployed to help deal with the surge in numbers.

Vinny Burke, station manager for Network Rail, said: “While people will arrive with full rucksacks and clean equipment, the return journey is likely to see muddy boots and unwanted tents brought though the station. We will have extra customer support services in action throughout the weekend to make sure that the station is pleasant for all who visit.”

Passengers with luggage such as tents and rucksacks which they don’t want to travel home with are urged not to leave their items unattended in the concourse or on platforms because of the potential safety and security risks. Passengers are instead asked to give their unwanted equipment to a member of station staff who will be happy to discard it safely.