On Sunday 3^rd April 2011 approximately 10,000 bikers will be taking part in an organised ride to raise money for the charity, Afghan Heroes.

The ride will begin at Hullavington Airfield and continue on the following route: A429 (north west to Burton Hill), B4042 (Priory Roundabout to Callows Cross), Callow Hill to White Hill Lane and the A3102 to Wootton Bassett.

After passing through Wootton Bassett High Street, the riders will continue on the A3102 to Junction 16 of the M4 and disperse.

Registration for this event is via the Afghan Heroes website www.afghanheroes.org.uk which closes on Friday 25^th March 2011. Any non-registered bikers will not be able to take part in the ride. However, if they still wish to make a donation this can also be done via the Afghan Heroes website.

Although the bikers will not be completing the course at the same time, it is likely that traffic delays may ensue throughout the day and therefore alternative routes should be found wherever possible.

In particular, the public should note that Wootton Bassett High Street will be closed on the day, as will the A3102 in both directions from the junction of the A3102 and Whitehill Lane to the Boroughfields Roundabout.

There will also be temporary traffic lights installed two miles north of junction 17 on the A429 near the entrance to Hullavington Airfield, and at Callow Hill crossroads, although the latter will only affect west bound traffic on the B4042.

Chief Inspector Charlie Dibble said: “This event is about celebrating our brave service personnel in Afghanistan and the excellent work that they do on behalf of our government.

It’s wonderful to see so many bikers registered to take part in this event for such a worthy cause, however other motorists who are planning to travel along the proposed route that day should be aware that traffic delays are likely and I would urge them to consider other routes.

We are working closely with the organisers of this ride, the Highways Agency, the MOD and Wiltshire Council to make sure that the necessary safeguards are in place to ensure public safety on the day, which is our number one priority.”

Dick Tonge, cabinet member for highways, said: “This is the second year we have supported this event that not only honours our fallen service men and women, but also raises money to help support those injured and their families.

We have worked closely with the police and organisers to ensure the route used by the bikers provides the least disruption possible and is safe for other motorists on the highway.”