VISITORS to next week's Suffolk Show are being asked to be patient as they brace themselves for possible long delays.Police today said the sheer volume of traffic as thousands of people flock to the two-day event on Wednesday and Thursday is likely to cause some congestion.

VISITORS to next week's Suffolk Show are being asked to be patient as they brace themselves for possible long delays.

Police today said the sheer volume of traffic as thousands of people flock to the two-day event on Wednesday and Thursday is likely to cause some congestion. However they stressed every effort is being made to ensure drivers can get to the event with minimal problems.

Roads policing inspector Trevor Sharman is calling for drivers to exercise patience and courtesy.

He said: “As in recent years, arrangements are in place to try to cater for this influx however visitors using routes into and around the showground should be prepared for some delays.

“The amount of people heading to the show means traffic is likely to be slow moving and we also have to bear in mind there may be other factors, such as accidents, which may mean hold-ups.

“We would ask motorists to follow the routes directed, even if it means using two lanes where they might only usually use one - such as at the Seven Hills roundabout - and comply with any requests from police or show stewards.”

Motorists approaching from Woodbridge should use the Bucklesham village route. Those approaching from the west along the A14 should come off at the Seven Hills roundabout (A12 from Woodbridge/A14 to Felixstowe junction) where show traffic will be asked to keep in the right hand lane on the slip road off the A14. They should then use the two lanes around the roundabout itself, and along into the showground.

Traffic from Ipswich will be encouraged to make use of arrangements along Bucklesham Road to access gate four, while those approaching from Felixstowe should follow signing off the A14 prior to the Seven Hills junction. Visitors are being asked to follow these routes in reverse when leaving the showground, with two lanes of traffic flowing from gate ten back to the Seven Hills interchange.

“Please bear in mind police will do all they can to keep traffic moving,” said Inspector Sharman. “If people stay on the designated routes we hope to ensure everyone gets to the show, and home again, as safely and as quickly as possible.”