National Highways has issued a warning to those who are planning to attend Cheltenham Festival this week.

It is advising anyone who will use the M5 as part of their journey to the races to plan ahead and allow extra time to get there.

Jump racing’s showpiece event will run from Tuesday, March 14 until Friday, March 17 with up to 274,000 racegoers expected to attend throughout the week.

Friday’s Gold Cup will end the Festival and 68,500 people are expected to attend on Friday alone.

When will the M5 and other roads be the busiest?

The M5 is set to be busy as racegoers travel to Cheltenham Festival but some times of the day will be busier than others.

Each day, the busiest times on the roads are expected to be between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

National Highways has explained that there is the potential for delays on the M5 between junctions 9 and 11, on the A40 west of junction 11 and on the A46 east of junction 9.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Cheltenham Festival begins next weekCheltenham Festival begins next week (Image: PA)

Drivers can keep up to date with travel information on local radio, on Twitter via @HighwaysSWEST or by phoning the National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by accessing the website.

Kathryn Wiltshire, National Highways’ network planning officer for the South West, said: “Junctions 10 and 11 of the M5 are likely to be busy on these days, particularly the Friday.

“Our aim is to keep the National Highways network running while keeping all road users safe and informed and we’re advising all drivers to check our traffic and travel information channels, to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for their journeys.”

When is Cheltenham Festival 2023?

Cheltenham Festival will begin on Tuesday, March 14 and end on Friday, March 17.