HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW IMPORTANT INFO!

As I live fairly close to Hampton Court Flower Show and indeed have responsibility for the timetabling of some of the bus services around the area, I thought it may be useful to anyone wishing to visit this year to have a view of the 'lay of the land' as it currently stands...

Surrey County Council, for the second year running, have chosen this period to ramp up major works on the A308 Staines Road West. Last year, the impact was thankfully moderate, however this year it is a junction nearer to Sunbury Cross (and thus junction 1 of the M3). As it stands today, one week away from the Flower Show, the traffic congestion has been severe hence me thinking it wise to give information here.

To give a flavour of the impact (an hour or so ago):



That is a view of one bus route that runs through our area and one of those that run past Hampton Court Palace. Kingston is on the right hand side of that image, Staines is on the left. That bus that has been highlighted will be the first bus through from Kingston into Staines in FOUR hours.

 

If you are coming from the North, I would suggest allowing considerable additional time then remain on the M25 and go around to the A3 and head in from that side.

Ideally, use the rail network and try to get direct to Hampton Court Station. You can, alternatively get to Kingston and use bus routes 111, 411 & 216 to get to Hampton Court - - BUT expect heavy disruption on all with fairly devastating effects on the 411 & 216 purely because they are low frequency routes.

If you are coming from the South, especially up the M3, it is advisable to go via M25 & A3 also. If you do choose to stick to M3 & A308, then be aware of standing traffic in lane 1 as you approach Sunbury Cross, as the traffic has been tailing back out up the slip road and onto lane 1.

If you are coming that way, my personal advice would be to continue onto the A316 to Hospital Bridge Roundabout, then go through Teddington and Hampton Wick to get to Hampton Court.

I am more than happy to give personalised directions if I can help you, please just ask.

I would say, however, DO NOT underestimate the traffic congestion and delays (especially if you are coming on Thursday, as Kempton Market will also be in play).

 

Mrs C went off to see a friend today, going pretty much in the opposite direction to all of the delays and even her journey was a nightmare. She is yet to embark on her journey home, but I just know that a call will come before too long for me to pick her up.

It is an absolute mess round here this week. Today got worse with a road closure in Staines because there is a big fire on a new tower block!

 

I've watched this route be re-built through the day (controller did a really good job, whoever they are) and now I am watching it fall apart again:


Those buses should be 20 mins apart - there is about to be three together, stuck in the traffic and not moving. Cars can duck into side roads and escape - buses can't.

The really sad thing is, there are folks who will get onto those buses and give the drivers absolute mouthfuls, when there is not a jot the drivers can do.

 

I think it will be - the only other real option is to head M4/A4, around the airport and then up past Harlington Corner, Teddington and then Hampton Wick.. but that would be something of a last act if I am honest. Not a journey I would want to make.

I suppose a potential is M25 to junction 9, in through Malden Rushett past Chessington, down onto the Kingston Bypass and then up from the Scilly Isles junction.

 

I always used to duck driving double decks under that bridge, despite knowing that they fitted with plenty clearance and driving them through regularly