MASSIVE traffic jams have blighted the Badminton Horse Trials this year as thousands of eventing fans are left in long queues on the M4 and surrounding roads.

More than 185,000 people have headed to the event leading to fans arriving two or more hours late for the start.

The organisers have apologised saying on Twitter: "We are SO sorry but due to the sheer volume of traffic there is just no option than being patient and waiting in line."

This didn't wash with some fans. Julie Humphreys took to Twitter to say: "70 years and can’t get traffic right. You have ruined our day before even setting foot on land. You should be ashamed. Badminton radio does not help thanks."

Another unhappy eventing fan was Alex Dimsdale Gill who wrote on twitter: "I am afraid it is clear that you just didn’t care enough about the customer experience to put proper traffic management in place. I shouldn’t be surprised - people will always come to Badminton so why bother? Very disappointing indeed."

Officials at the event posted this reply: "The queues are starting to fade, we would again like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has waited so patiently in the queues today - our traffic team have done absolutely everything they can to deal with the huge volume of traffic visiting."

event director Julian Seaman said the event was a victim of its own success.

However in reply Alex Dimsdale Gill said: "I am sorry but that is a preposterous excuse."

The AA issued warnings about congestion in the area saying that traffic is heavier than normal and slow traffic on the M4 both ways at J18 A46 (Bath / Tormarton).

The heavy traffic is causing delays to bus services using the A46.

Petty France, Acton Turville and Tormarton are all congested.

The Badminton Horse Trials run from Wednesday 1st May through to Sunday 5th May 2019 within the Badminton Estate in South Gloucestershire.