DRIVERS are being warned to 'plan ahead' as the annual RHS Tatton Show launches on Wednesday next week. 

Taking place this year from July 20 to 24, motorists travelling through the area or to the show itself are being urged to check traffic conditions before setting out.

Chris Chadwick, Highways England events planning manager, said: “This is a long-standing event in the region’s summer calendar and we are not anticipating any major traffic problems but we always encourage people to check before they travel when we know there are large events taking place.

“As usual, Highways England traffic officers will be monitoring the motorway network to respond to any incidents and we will also be setting signs to advise drivers of any problems.

“Drivers can help themselves by checking travel conditions before setting out and by ensuring they are prepared in the event of a breakdown or being stuck in traffic or behind an incident.”

Although Highways England is not anticipating major traffic issues it is likely that many drivers heading to the show will use the M56, A556 and M6 during part of their journeys to the event at Tatton Park near Knutsford.

Some congestion around junctions 19 and 20 of the M6 and junction 7 of the M56 is possible at times throughout the event. 

Highways England is also advising drivers heading to the show to stick to any signed routes to minimise the chance of delays.

Road changes

During the event, drivers using the northbound A556 will be prohibited from making right turns into the A5034 Mereside Road at Bucklow Hill and into Cherry Tree Lane at Rostherne.

Northbound drivers will be able to access these routes from the A556 by joining the southbound carriageway via Bowdon Roundabout.

Drivers using the M56 are reminded the eastbound exit slip road at junction 7 is closed until November.

The show is open between 10am and 6.30pm each day except on the Sunday when it closes at 5pm.