A hi-tech hub will this morning control the fate of Oxfordshire’s traffic as the CLA Game Fair begins at Blenheim Palace.

Three years ago, queues of traffic trying to reach the event cuased gridlock around Oxford, with motorists stuck for hours.

Event organisers are determined not to let the same happen again.

About 140,000 people are expected to attend this year’s game fair at the stately home in Woodstock over the next three days – including 50,000 visitors today.

More than 30 people will be based at the control centre, watching the traffic on live video cameras.

At their fingertips will be control of digital signs, traffic light, and a team of traffic officers.

The event, which runs until Sunday, is one of the world’s largest countryside events.

Those behind it have spent three years planning for this moment, with table-top exercises and countless meetings. Event control manager TonyWall, who will oversee the operation, said: “I’m slightly apprehensive but I’m excited to make it work. We feel we’re ready to go.”

The traffic measures have cost about £100,000, including £20,000 on a helicopter to keep watch from the sky.

The helicopter, as well as a network of CCTV cameras and an unmanned drone flying above Peartree roundabout, will beam back live pictures to the centre.

These will be combined with images from Oxfordshire County Council and the network of traffic cameras to give a comprehensive overview of the roads.

Traffic lights can be changed to speed up traffic flows. And a network of message boards at nine locations, including on the A44, A34 and A40, will be controlled and can be changed instantly.

In addition, the centre will coordinate a team of six traffic officers on motorbikes, who will be sent to incidents to re-route traffic.

Organisers have also put on shuttle buses to transport people from Oxford and Hanborough railway stations.

The 900 exhibitors will arrive before 7.30am instead of 9am, to avoid the rush hour.

Organisers have paid £2,000 for Swinford Toll Bridge, near Eynsham, to be made free-of-charge to all motorists for the three days.

And a Game Fair radio station, on 87.7 FM, will liaise with the control room to put out regular traffic bulletins.

The Duke of Marlborough, who has seen the control centre for himself, said: “It’s fantastic. The whole organisation is incredible and we hope that this will solve the traffic problems.”

See oxfordmail.co.uk or follow us on Twitter for regular traffic updates through the day. Let us know about any hold-ups, or what you think of the traffic situation at the address above or call 01865 425500