Traffic Advice for North Sea Tall Ships Regatta
Motorists are being advised to plan their journeys ahead of this weekend’s Tall Ships Regatta which is being held at Blyth, Northumberland.
Around 330,000 people are expected to attend the event which is being held from Thursday 25 August until Monday 29 August.
Highways England is advising motorists using the main routes including the A19 (Tyne Tunnel) and the A1 linking to the A19 at Seaton Burn to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
The A19 (North Tyneside) will consist of narrow lanes north and south around the A1058 junction, with a speed limit of 30mph in place due to major improvements taking place at the roundabout.
Highways England’s North East Emergency Planning Officer Hayley Robson said:
We do all we can to alleviate congestion and keep the traffic flowing but we’d like to remind drivers that obviously it will be busier than usual on the routes to and around Blyth.
We work with our emergency service colleagues and the event organisers to ensure those heading for the event get there with minimum disruption or delay.
Our aim is to keep the Highways England network running whilst keeping Regatta goers and other road users safe and informed. Our advice is to check our traffic and travel information channels, set off early and allow plenty of time when journey planning.
Highways England will use its electronic message signs on approaching motorways to give drivers information about any diversions and delays, and provide up-to-the minute traffic information via local radio and our website.
Further information, including travel updates, can be found on the Tall Ships website.
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.