Avoid Silverstone, say police

Racing fans pitch their tents on sites close to the circuit

Drivers are being warned to avoid the Silverstone area from Friday, as motor-racing fans and officials begin to arrive for this weekend's British Grand Prix.

Diversions have been put in place to try and ensure and ensure that traffic moves smoothly, but police officers say there still could be some delays.

Fans are already heading for campsites near the circuit to be in pole position for the start of the two-day event.

Signs are in place to advise non-race traffic of the best routes to take,

Both police and Silverstone officials are hoping the newly dualled A43 will avoid a repeat of congestion at previous Grand Prix.

Diversions in place

Chief Inspector Ray Campbell, Grand Prix operations manager for Northamptonshire Police said: "We strongly advise anyone not going to the Grand Prix to steer clear of Silverstone.

"Diversion routes will be put in place to take traffic away from the circuit and we will be keeping the travelling public fully informed during the event with bulletins on national and local radio."

We will be keeping the travelling public fully informed during the event with bulletins on national and local radio Chief Inspector Ray Campbell

All police and emergency services operations will be directed from a new, purpose-built Command Centre at the track.

Multiple CCTV cameras monitor the approach roads to the circuit, entrances and access roads, as well as the campsites around Silverstone.