Detailed plans will be put in place to ensure Watford roads can cope with the extra traffic brought by the British Masters golf tournament next week.

Senior police officer Sue Jameson said people living close to the venue were likely to experience disruption on the roads as a result of the event, with around 20,000 people estimated to flock to The Grove to watch some of the world’s top golfers in action from Thursday until Sunday.

But she said the organisers had done “the sensible thing” by providing a free shuttle bus service between the Chandler’s Cross venue and Watford Junction station in an attempt to curtail traffic.

“People do need to allow extra time on their journeys, especially if they are going to work or school. The most disruptive thing to the community from this event is the extra traffic rather than crime,” she warned.

“But we’ve been involved in the planning and preparation, and it should be an enjoyable outdoor event.”

She added that a “detailed traffic management plan” had been worked out between police and the promoters in a bid to minimise disruption and maximise safety.

READ MORE: Details of British Masters road closures

No police will be stationed inside The Grove itself, with the event organisers responsible for crowd control within the venue. Levels of disorder at events such as this are usually very low.

However traffic wardens and police motorbikes will be making rounds in the area to ensure traffic flows smoothly, and will be on hand in case of an emergency.

The peak times for traffic are estimated to be between 8-10am and 4-6pm on each of the four days.