Posted on Thursday 19th June 2025
Staffordshire businesses and residents planning to use the A50 and surrounding road network over the last weekend of July are being advised to plan ahead due to the staging of a major sporting event.
The internationally acclaimed LIV Golf tournament is being held for the second time at the JCB Golf and Country Club in East Staffordshire on 25,26 and 27 July, with up to 60,000 visitors expected over the weekend.
Following last year’s event, visitor parking and access arrangements have been adapted to minimise disruption locally. A park and ride system will be in operation throughout the weekend from a location away from the venue which will reduce traffic on approaches to Alton Towers and Uttoxeter Racecourse.
Businesses and residents planning to use the A50 and nearby roads are being reminded that they may be busier ahead of play from 10am to midday and close of play from 6pm to 8pm. There will be a drop-off location close to the site and away from the road which is expected to be at its busiest on Saturday.
With 48 of the world’s top golfers participating, the event will draw spectators from across the UK and potentially further. Last year 85 per cent of visitors were from outside Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for strategic highways Peter Mason said:
It’s great to have a major sporting event like LIV Golf taking place here in Staffordshire – attracting thousands of visitors to the county over three days with a worldwide broadcast audience.
We have worked with the event organisers, taking on learning from last year, to ensure visitor travel and access runs smoothly and vitally does not impact Staffordshire businesses’ usual operations.
We want to make sure that businesses – particularly road hauliers and those needing deliveries over the weekend – and local residents are fully informed about event timings and potential temporary impact on the road network. This will enable them to plan ahead and avoid the busier times if possible.
Through careful planning and organisation, we’re confident that there will be minimal disruption, and look forward to a successful event.”
Rhys Williams, regional operations manager for the Road Haulage Association (RHA), said:
Our members are used to operating around major events and planning travel accordingly. We’d urge HGV, coach and van operators locally to plan well in advance to ensure they’re not impacted by congestion. We welcome major events that are a benefit to local businesses and the local economy.”
People can find out more by visiting the event website.