Major traffic operation underway as thousands head to festival site

Drivers are being warned that motorways and major A roads surrounding Bramham Park are set to be very busy as music fans make their way to the Leeds Festival.

Increased traffic is also expected as revellers leave Leeds on Monday, August 31st. 

Festival traffic will use the A1(M) to junction 44 (A1M/A64 Bramham Interchange) where traffic will exit and continue on the westbound A64 towards Leeds. Traffic will be using both lanes on a one-way system on the A64 and will turn right into the Festival car parks.

To manage this additional route, the A64 is being closed to all through traffic travelling eastbound from midnight on Wednesday 26 August and all day Thursday 27 August, until 5.00am on Friday 28 August.

Traffic travelling from York to Leeds on the A64 will continue as normal but drivers should be aware that queues are likely on the A1(M) at junction 44 (Bramham Interchange).

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

Emergency planning manager for Highways England in Yorkshire, Andrew Charnick, said, "We 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.

Live traffic information for Yorkshire and the North East can be found on Highways England’s traffic information website.

Further traffic guidance can be found on the Leeds Festival website at www.leedsfestival.com.