As the Glastonbury Festival approaches, not only does anticipation for the musical lineup build but also for the infamous traffic it brings to surrounding areas.

With an influx of around 200,000 attendees expected, significant traffic disruptions and extensive temporary traffic regulations are set to impact Somerset.

Here's a comprehensive guide to help locals navigate this period smoothly.

Traffic Impact and Advice:

• Glastonbury Gridlock: Traffic volume is expected to increase sevenfold as festival-goers arrive and depart. Most disruption is anticipated when people leave on Monday, 1st July.
• Peak Times: Drivers heading to the Glastonbury Festival should expect traffic to peak on Wednesday, especially around junctions 25 and 23 of the M5, as attendees make their way to the site. Historically, the A39 also sees heavy congestion by mid-morning. Traffic is anticipated to surge again on Monday, July 1, as festival-goers depart. The primary routes for festival traffic include exiting the M5 at junction 23 to access the A39 and A361. Additionally, the A303-A37 route, especially the A303 eastbound from Podimore Roundabout, will be busy with traffic arriving from London.
• Travel Tips from Laura Stoke, travel expert and Co-Founder of travel company Coach Hire Comparison:
• Plan Ahead and Be Flexible: Schedule trips during off-peak hours to avoid congestion. Flexibility is crucial; consider alternative departure times.
• Explore Alternative Routes: Use less congested back roads or mapping apps to find the best routes.
• Carshare or Use Public Transport: Reduce vehicle numbers by sharing rides or using buses, coaches, or trains.
• Stay Informed and Patient: Monitor traffic updates and keep a good playlist ready to maintain a positive attitude if delays occur.

Local Road Adjustments:

• One-Way Traffic: Various roads including Pylle Lane and Pylle Road will operate under one-way systems at specified times to manage festival traffic efficiently.
• Temporary Prohibition of Driving and No Waiting: Certain roads will be closed to non-local traffic, and no-waiting zones will be enforced to maintain flow.

Temporary Traffic Regulations:

• Speed and Prohibition Restrictions: Speed limits will be reduced and some turns prohibited along major routes like the A361 and A37 to ensure safety amid increased pedestrian and vehicle movement.

Waste Collection Adjustments:

• Early Collections: Residents are advised to put out bins the night before their collection day from 24th to 26th June, due to early collection schedules.

Festival Departure:

• Optimal Departure Time on Monday: According to INRIX, leaving the festival site at 6am on Monday is ideal, with 4pm being the worst time due to high traffic volumes.

Temporary Traffic Regulations:

• Speed and Prohibition Restrictions: Speed limits will be reduced and some turns prohibited along major routes like the A361 and A37 to ensure safety amid increased pedestrian and vehicle movement.

As we prepare for Glastonbury Festival, Somerset Council encourages all residents and visitors to plan their travel carefully and stay informed about the latest traffic conditions.

Health services

NHS bosses in Somerset are bracing for a week of increased pressures due to the festival and concurrent junior doctor strikes.

The junior doctors' strike is scheduled from 7 am on Thursday, June 27, to 7 am on Tuesday, July 2. During this period, the NHS is prioritising patient and staff safety. Dr. Bernie Marden, Chief Medical Officer of NHS Somerset, emphasised the dual strain of the strike and the festival, stating,

"We know that services will be under pressure this week. We are working hard to keep people safe and minimize disruptions, but we need everyone's help. Choosing the right service for your needs is crucial."

With the festival coinciding with warm weather, NHS Somerset is also offering advice on how to stay healthy and avoid heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.

Key health tips during warm weather

• Avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day.
• Wear protective clothing and sunscreen if you must be outdoors.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol.
• Check on vulnerable friends and family.
• Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Residents are being urged to use NHS services judiciously. Routine appointments should proceed as planned unless otherwise notified by the NHS. In emergencies, call 999 or visit the NHS UK website for guidance.

For non-emergency situations, the NHS 111 online service should be the first point of contact, directing individuals to the most appropriate service.

Local pharmacists can handle minor health conditions, and the Pharmacy First scheme allows direct treatment for common ailments, including prescriptions for necessary medicines.

Individuals should contact their GP or an Urgent Treatment Centre for ongoing health issues or urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. Extended wait times may occur due to the increased demand.

Mental health support is available 24/7 through Open Mental Health and Mindline Somerset for those struggling with psychological distress.

Parents concerned about their children's health can find valuable information on the HANDi App, available on both Google Play and the App Store.