DRIVERS planning to use the M5 near Exeter are being advised by National Highways to plan their journeys ahead of next week’s three-day Devon County Show at the Westpoint Arena.

The show, which is running from Thursday May 21, to Saturday May 23, averages an attendance of up to 100,000 people over the three days at the Clyst St Mary venue near Exeter.

Increased traffic is anticipated on the M5 north and south of junctions 29 and 30, the A30 east and west of Exeter and the A38 south of Exeter.

Congestion has previously occurred during the morning influx to the show, particularly the M5 northbound between junctions 31 and 30, and traffic is likely to be particularly busy on the Thursday morning.

M5 traffic will be directed to use junction 30 to access the showground via the A376 and A3052, while A30 westbound traffic will be directed to exit at the Daisy Mount junction and use the B3180 and A3052.

John Ingram, South West Network Planner for National Highways, said: ‘We’re working closely with our partners at Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Police to give drivers advice to help them plan their journeys during this busy period, and our traffic officers will be patrolling the M5, A38 and A30 to assist with any breakdowns and incidents.

‘Junction 30 of the M5 could be particularly busy and the north approach to junction 30 could also see significant increases in traffic between 8am and 10.30am over the three days when visitors to the Devon Show could be using the motorway at the same time as commuter and freight traffic.

‘The A30 east and west of Exeter and A38 south of Exeter could also see higher traffic volumes, and drivers are advised to plan their travel routes in advance, and to keep up to date with the latest road conditions.

‘Yellow signs will advise show visitors which route to take on the approaches to the show.’

For more event details, people should check out the Devon County Show website.

In the meantime, drivers can obtain up-to-the-minute travel information by visiting https://nationalhighways.co.uk/travel-updates/travel-alerts/, the @HighwaysSWEST X (formerly Twitter) feed, by phoning the National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by accessing the website: www.trafficengland.com