Motorists to see delays this weekend as major events cause thousands of drivers to block roads

As events get underway, National Highways has now warned drivers that congestion will likely build along motorways near Manchester at key times over the weekend, as well as on Friday, June 13.

The agency said it will be working alongside partners at Greater Manchester Police and Transport for Greater Manchester to help keep disruptions to a minimum.

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Other events will also be taking place this weekend, including Lionel Richie and Chris Brown performing at Co-op Live Arena in East Manchester, which will bring in more than 23,000 audience members each day.

Meanwhile, the annual football fundraiser Soccer Aid will be taking place at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, attracting a crowd of roughly 74,000.

National Highways has already suspended some overnight roadworks to help keep traffic moving, with extra patrols of traffic officers being put in place along key locations.

The agency expects congestion to be worse along the M60 from around 9pm each night as people prepare to leave the Parklife festival.

To help manage the higher traffic numbers, the exit slip roads at Junction 19 of the M60 for Middleton/Heaton Park will be closed between 7pm and 2am on both Saturday and Sunday.

Meanwhile, all queueing traffic for the event will be blocked off to the clockwise exit slip road at Junction 20 at Blackley.

The M60 hard shoulder around Junction 19 will also be closed during specific times this weekend to prevent drivers from illegally using it as a drop-off or pick-up location for concert goers.

The Parklife website shared: "If you are being picked up or are picking up a relative or friend, there is a nominated pick up point at Sainsbury’s Superstore car park off Middleton Road, M9 0QS. this will be open from 10pm and you can wait here safely to be collected or to collect people."

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The website warned that there "is absolutely no on-street parking” around the event site, with several roads closed around Heaton Park.

Traffic wardens will also be patrolling the area around the site, with drivers who park illegally risking having their vehicle towed and impounded by the wardens.

National Highways’ senior network planner, Gary Farrell, explained that the weekend is expected to be the first of many busy summer events impacting the M60.

Farrell added: "With sold-out Oasis concerts taking place over five nights in July and we’re advising drivers to get into the habit of checking traffic conditions before setting out on journeys."

As Father’s Day takes place on Sunday, many drivers will be hitting the road across the UK, with National Highways urging motorists to check before they travel.

Dale Hipkiss, Duty Manager at National Highways, told GB News: "We are not expecting a significant amount of traffic this weekend, but people might be travelling to see family or having a day out."

He also encouraged everyone to plan ahead and make sure their vehicle is prepared for "what might be a long journey".

Hipkiss added: "To avoid the stress of breaking down, check your tyres before you leave and fill up with fuel. Tyre issues and empty tanks are two of the top three causes of breakdowns. Remembering a few simple steps will make your journey easier and safer."