Drivers planning to use the M5 near Exeter are advised to plan their journeys ahead of this week's three-day Devon County Show at the Westpoint Arena.

The show, to be held on Thursday, 18 May, Friday, 19 May and Saturday, 20 May averages an attendance of up to 100,000 people over the three days at the Clyst St Mary venue near Exeter, with increased traffic anticipated on the M5 north and south of junctions 29 and 30, the A30 east and west of Exeter and the A38 south of Exeter.

Congestion has previously occurred during the morning influx to the show, particularly the M5 northbound between junctions 31 and 30, and traffic is likely to be particularly busy on the Thursday morning.

M5 traffic will be directed to use junction 30 to access the showground via the A376 and A3052, while A30 westbound traffic will be directed to exjt at the Daisy Mount junction and use the B3180 and A3052.

John Ingram, South West Network Planner for National Highways, said: "We're working closely with our partners at Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Police to give drivers as much advice as possible to help them plan their journeys during this busy period, and our traffic officers will be patrolling the M5, A38 and A30 to assist with any breakdowns and incidents.

"Junction 30 of the M5 could be particularly busy and the north approach to junction 30 could also see significant increases in traffic between 8am and 10.30am over the three days when visitors to the Devon Show could be using the motorway at the same time as commuter and freight traffic.

"The A30 east and west of Exeter and A38 south of Exeter could also see increases in traffic, and drivers are advised to plan their travel routes well in advance, and to keep up to date with the latest road conditions. Yellow signs will advise show visitors which route to take on the approaches to the show."

National Highways' traffic officers will also be attending the show, joining emergency services partners in the Vision Zero South West Emergency Service Road Safety village.

At the event, young visitors will be able to have their picture taken in two miniature National Highway patrol vehicles, clamber aboard a Devon Air Ambulance Critical Care vehicle, have their fingerprints taken and even meet some of the Devon & Cornwall Police dogs.

John added: "As well as monitoring the roads during the event, we're delighted to be involved in this year's show as part of the South West Emergency Service Road Safety village.

"We work closely with our emergency services partners in the South West and proud of the work our traffic officers carry out to keep motorists safe and moving on our network.

In the meantime, drivers can obtain up-to-the-minute travel information on local radio and the @HighwaysSWEST Twitter feed, by phoning the National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by accessing the website: www.trafficengland.com