Fleet operators planning journeys for their staff in the vicinity of Peterborough and the East of England Showground have been advised to expect potential delays in the area over the coming days.

The UK's largest annual farm machinery, equipment and agricultural event is to take place at the showground on Wednesday and Thursday (January 21st and 22nd), with more than 10,000 visitors expected over the two days.

As a result, travellers in the area are being encouraged to plan alternative routes if they are able, as traffic volumes on surrounding roads are forecast to be far higher than normal.

Highways Agency operations manager at the East Region Control Centre Paul McWilliam commented: "This is a very popular event and I'd advise all drivers using the roads nearby to be able to plan their journeys to avoid being stuck in traffic.

"None of the roads nearby that are managed by the Highways Agency – the A605, the A1 and the M1 – will have any restrictions on them, but it is possible they will become very busy especially at the beginning and end of each day as people arrive at and leave the event."

The event will open to visitors from 06:00 GMT each day and will close at 18:00. Traffic volumes are therefore expected to be higher than usual throughout the early hours and into the early evening.

Individuals planning journeys in the area should keep up to date with areas of excessive traffic via local radio and electronic signage that will be providing updates to travellers throughout each day.

Highways Agency staff will be on hand in the area to help to direct traffic to and from the Showground, but motorists keen to avoid potential delays should avoid the area if they can.