Published: Monday, 29th June, 2009 12:00pm

Police Gear Up for Turnberry Traffic Hell for the Open Championship

by Roisin McGroarty

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GOLFERS and fans aren"t the only people gearing up for this year"s Open action at Turnberry as the police get ready for traffic chaos.

From Sunday, July 12 to Sunday, July 19 Turnberry"s course will play host to the 138th Open Championship and up to 130,000 people are planning to travel to and from the venue.

And police officers are advising passing motorists to avoid the surrounding roads - by taking the alternative signposted routes - unless they are attending the Championship.

Parking provision has only been made available for 13,000 vehicles and a dedicated team of police officers have been working on the traffic management system devised with The R&A, organisers of the Championship, South Ayrshire Council, Amey Highways and a host of other partners to ensure the smooth running of the area"s roads.

Superintendent Niven Rennie, head of Road Policing, said: 'We"re advising that motorists heading to the Championship follow the specific "Open" signs that have been provided by the AA."

For the full story and police tips for the event see this week's paper - on sale now!