Press release

Advice to drivers heading to the Reading Festival

Highways England is advising the 90,000 music lovers heading to the Reading festival next weekend - and other drivers in the area - to plan their journeys an avoid delays.

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The Reading Festival will be held from Friday 28 August to Sunday 30 August. Anyone who is considering driving along the M4 should take extra care as the roads around Reading will be busy.

Highways England Emergency Planner Dom McLeman said:

We want all drivers to have a safe journey and enjoy the festival. I advise drivers to plan their journeys to allow extra time and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. I also recommend drivers check their vehicles before they set out and ensure they have plenty of fuel.

For Highways England, it is important to ensure journeys are as smooth and as safe as possible. Drivers in the south east are reminded to take into account the following:

  • Festival goers are advised to follow the clearly signed routes to the event - Sat-navs and internet-route maps should not be used as these may not follow the approved routes. This will minimise the congestion, providing a better driving experience.
  • Commuters are advised that routes around Reading may be busier than usual and are advised to allow extra time.
  • It is recommended that drivers are confident that their car is in good condition before setting off on their journey.

Highways England traffic officers will continue to patrol the M4 and deal with any incidents, to minimise disruption.

Live traffic information for the south east can be found on Highways England’s traffic information website and by following @HighwaysSEAST on Twitter.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Published 21 August 2015