Drivers warned of travel chaos with delays of nine hours expected as major events get underway
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The world-famous Festival begins on June 26 until July 1
Drivers have been warned to expect severe travel disruptions next week as several major events take place across the country.
Glastonbury Festival will see roughly 200,000 people attend the five-day event which starts on June 26 in Somerset.
The routes around the South West including the M4, M5 and A39 are anticipated to be busier than usual on Wednesday, June 26, as people head over to Worthy Farm.
High congestion rates are expected to pick up again on Sunday, June 30, and Monday, July 1, when the festival closes.
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Drivers are advised to travel between 1am and 7am on July 1 to avoid lengthy queues
PAPublic car parking will be available at the festival on arrival for £60 cash only. The car parks will open at 9pm on Tuesday before the event kicks off when traffic volumes are lower.
There will, however, be no entertainment or facilities other than toilets, in the car parks with drivers expected to remain in their cars until the festival gates open at 8am on Wednesday, June 26.
Glastonbury warned: “The worst time to arrive by car is between 7am and 2pm on Wednesday. In recent years at peak times, the A39 queue to get into car parks took several hours, while it took less than an hour for those travelling on the A37.”
Drivers have also been reminded that their satnav may not take them all the way to the festival site and that they should follow the official signage.
When getting ready to leave the festival, the worst time to travel is on Monday, July 1, between 8am and 5pm when there can be long delays of up to nine hours.
To beat the queues, drivers should consider leaving in the early morning of Monday between 1am and 7am.
Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year explained that whether “you’re a music or a sports fan, it’s vital that your car is event-ready".
Taking extra time to carry out a few basic vehicle checks, including breakdown cover latest offers, “can save you a lot of hassle later,” Wood detailed.
Wood stated that theorganisation will have patrols on duty at many live events across the UK but is still urging drivers to carry out “essential car checks” before setting off to their chosen venue.
Meanwhile, the Wimbledon tennis tournament starts on Monday, July 1, and will last until Sunday, July 14. It will see roughly 500,000 people attend the historic competition.
Chris Sheldrick, co-founder and CEO of what3words added: “At busy events such as Glastonbury and Wimbledon, it can be tricky to describe meet-up points with friends, and direct assistance should you have vehicle troubles in the expansive car parks.
"What3words enables The AA to pinpoint the exact location of your breakdown and send their teams to help as quickly as possible."
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Around 500,000 spectators are expected to attend Wimbledon
PAOther events The AA will be supporting this year include Hampton Court Garden Festival, The British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Farnborough International Airshow, Latitude Festival, Leeds Festival and the British Moto GP.