Added: 24/05/2008

Category: Suffolk Constabulary

As final preparations get underway for next week’s Suffolk Show police are asking motorists to be prepared for delays and are reminding visitors to take crime reduction measures.

Thousands of people are expected to descend on Trinity Park on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May and, while in recent years traffic has flowed relatively smoothly into the showground for the event, the sheer volume of cars means there is likely to be some congestion.

Roads Policing Inspector Trevor Sharman is reminding drivers to be aware there may be some delays.

“From experience we know the A14 and A12 near the Seven Hills interchange can be particularly busy and we are urging all non-show traffic to avoid the area, and find an alternative route if at all possible. If you have to use this route please be prepared for delays, especially at peak times.

“Police officers will be out in cars and on motorbikes to try to ensure visitors can get to the show as easily and quickly as possible however the amount of people heading to the event means traffic is likely to be slow moving and we also have to bear in mind there may be other factors, such as collisions or other incidents, which may mean hold-ups. We would urge all visitors to follow the signs to the show and to keep to the routes directed, even if it means using two lanes where they might only usually use one - such as at the Seven Hills roundabout. In addition to this we would ask that drivers also comply with any requests from police or show stewards.”

The routes into the showground are the same as last the few years. Motorists approaching along the A12 from the Woodbridge direction should use the Bucklesham village route, while those approaching from the west along the A14 should come off at the Seven Hills roundabout where show traffic will be asked to use both lanes on the slip road off the A14 and then to utilise two lanes around the roundabout itself towards the showground. Traffic from Ipswich should make use of arrangements along Bucklesham Road to access Gate 4, while those approaching from Felixstowe should follow signing off the A14 prior to the Seven Hills junction. Drivers are being asked to follow these routes in reverse when leaving the showground, with two lanes of traffic flowing from Gate 10 back to the Seven Hills interchange.

Police are also urging visitors to be security conscious at the Showground. Please remember to lock your vehicle and remove any valuables before leaving your car unattended.