Drivers across Staffordshire are being warned to expect potential congestion on major routes this weekend because of two significant sporting events happening about six miles apart.

LIV Golf is taking place at the JCB Golf & Country Club in Rocester from Thursday to Sunday, while Ladies Day is scheduled at Uttoxeter Racecourse on Friday. With Alton Towers less than a dozen miles away and many children off school, Staffordshire County Council expects increased traffic on local roads.

Recommended Routes for LIV Golf

The golf tournament organisers have provided specific exit routes for drivers arriving by car to Hollington Road in Rocester:

From the M6 north, drivers should exit at junction 17 onto the A534. Those coming from the M6 south should exit at junction 15 onto the A50/A500. From the M1 north, the recommended route is junction 28 onto the A38/A52. From the M1 south, drivers should exit at junction 24 onto the A50/A515.

Event organisers said drivers can follow black and yellow signs marked "Golf Event" and directional signs for their pre-purchased car park spot.

Routes to Uttoxeter Racecourse

Uttoxeter Racecourse on Wood Lane has also provided suggested routes depending on direction of travel. From the north west, drivers should take the M6 to junction 15, then follow signs for the A50 to Uttoxeter/Derby. From the north east, the suggested route is the M1 to junction 24a, straight onto the A50 following signs for Uttoxeter/Derby.

From the south and south west, drivers should travel via the M5 (junction 4a) or M40 (junction 3a), join the M42 at junction 7, exit at junction 9 (Lichfield), follow signs for Lichfield and the A38 (Burton/Derby), then exit the A38 at the A50 for Uttoxeter.

Roads Expected to be Busier

Staffordshire County Council has identified the A50, A515, A518 and A522 as routes likely to experience heavier traffic during the events.

Patrick Allen, the council's cabinet support member for highways, encouraged people to plan ahead.

Alternative Travel

Uttoxeter Racecourse is located next to Uttoxeter railway station. Intercity services run trains to Derby and Stoke-on-Trent, which offer regular connecting trains to Uttoxeter. A direct service also operates from Crewe. Passengers can check East Midlands Railway or Trainline websites for timetables.

Entertainment at the racecourse will continue into the evening with a set from DJ Marvin Humes.