ORGANISERS of this year’s Game Fair at Blenheim Palace have promised no repeat of the traffic chaos that engulfed the event when it was last held there in 2008.

Measure to be taken include mobilising the police helicopter and having extra officers on duty, putting up a network of CCTV cameras, changing road markings and having extra car parks with a shuttle bus.

The traffic measures also include the CLA paying for the Swinford Toll Bridge, near Eynsham, to be free of charge for all motorists for the fair’s three days.

About 140,000 people are expected at the event, from July 22 to 24.

Organiser the Country Land and Business Association said the fair would generate £15m for Oxfordshire’s economy.

It plans to consult residents about its traffic arrangements, with presentations to parish councils in May and June.

The fair is one of the world’s largest countryside shows and features opportunities to try shooting, fishing, archery, quad biking, falconry and more.

CLA director David Hough said: “Our key aim for this year is to keep the traffic flowing freely over the three days of the show.

“It is of the utmost importance to us that everyone experiences the minimum disruption.

“We, and all the organisations involved, believe that the accumulation of changes and initiatives that are now in place will make the difference.”

The traffic plan has been approved by Oxfordshire County Council, Thames Valley Police, West Oxfordshire District Council and the Highways Agency.

Woodstock town councillor Peter Jay said: “Great efforts are being made to make sure there is no rerun of the catastrophe of last time.”

But he warned organisers needed to look at the whole Oxfordshire road network, not just the area around Woodstock. He said: “The organisers have half grasped the problem but they’re still thinking in very local terms.”

Chris Baylis, owner of The Real Wood Furniture Company, in Oxford Street, Woodstock, said: “I’m very impressed with the trouble being taken to make sure the traffic issues don’t occur.

“There are concerns – there’s no doubt that there will be a lot of traffic – but the plan seems to be robust and thought out.”

Michael Jackson, owner of Woodstock Arts and Antiques, Market Place, said: “The organisers have listened and worked with the community to address the concerns about what happened last time. I think that’s a tremendous credit to them.”

He added: “The businesses are going to benefit, and if the businesses benefit the local community will benefit too.”

Organisers will tackle any congestion from a high-tech control centre based at the site.

In 2008, the centre had six people – with one retired police officer – but this year it will have about 15, including three officers.