A record number of visitors and a car crash contributed to the long delays motorists faced during the Hare Krishna festival, according to police.

Motorists faced severe traffic delays throughout the Watford area due to the volume of people attending the annual festival at Bhaktivedanta Manor.

Hertfordshire Constabulary came under fire for the lack of warning given to those travelling on Sunday, August 17.

Yet Bushey Neighbourhood Sergeant Noel Buckley said the event is well advertised months in advance and that there were signposts on the M1 for those travelling from the north and south.

He added: "Unfortunately record number of attendees as well as a road traffic collision at junction five added to the volume of traffic during the festival.

"We will take look at additional ways to advertise the festival further afield for next year’s event."