Steam fair traffic warning issued

Hundreds of thousands of people attend the fair every year

More than 200,000 people are expected to attend the annual Great Dorset Steam Fair over the next five days.

The event at Tarrant Hinton, which runs from Wednesday until Sunday, celebrates the history of steam power.

Police are warning motorists to expect congestion in the area and to allow more time for their journeys over the next few days.

Organisers said many exhibitors would be bringing slow-moving vehicles, adding to delays on the roads.

Operations manager for the fair Julian Hubbuck said: "Every effort is being made to reduce congestion and delays but, with so many people expected, it is inevitable some congestion will occur.

"If at all possible, we strongly advise all non-steam fair traffic to use an alternative route."

Ch Insp Tim Lumley of Dorset Police said: "A lot of work has been carried out with the organisers and the highways authority to ease traffic congestion.

"However, this is a major event attracting an expected quarter of a million visitors over the five-day period and traffic congestion is inevitable."