DRIVERS are being urged to plan their journey ahead of next week’s Badminton Horse Trials.

More than 170,000 visitors are expected to attend the prestigious equestrian event at the Duke of Beaufort’s Badminton House grounds in South Gloucestershire.

The event - which is now its its 75th year - starts on Wednesday, May 8, and runs until Sunday, May 12.

National Highways says junction 18 of the M4 and the A46 near Tormarton are likely to see higher than usual traffic volumes.

Kathryn Wiltshire, south west network planner for National Highways, said: “The road network is likely to see higher traffic volumes as a result of the Badminton event.

“The Cross Country event on the Saturday is particularly popular.

"For anyone travelling in the area through the week we’d like to remind people that narrow lanes and a contraflow are in place on the M5 Almondsbury interchange.

“Our aim is to keep the network running while keeping all road users safe and informed.

"We’re advising all drivers to check our traffic and travel information channels, to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for their journeys.”