It is anticipated that as many as 4.3 million extra journeys will be undertaken across the 44-day event, the biggest to be hosted in the United Kingdom since the London 2012 Olympics.

The transport networks in and around the host cities will almost certainly be busier than normal from September 18 to October 31, while transport arrangements for all of the 13 venues will be different to typical match days, with some changes and increased services.

The travel demand campaign is aiming to encourage people that live or work in and around the host cities and the affected areas to be aware of changes and high demand periods, plan ahead or seek alternative routes and allow more time to complete their journeys.

Including outdoor and digital advertising, regional radio adverts and a dedicated travel information website, the campaign will be rolled out across the 11 host cities over the coming weeks during the lead-up to the start of the tournament.

"As we get ready to start welcoming fans from around the world to the tournament, we are conscious of the demand on the transport network," said managing director of England Rugby 2015, Stephen Brown.

"Our creative multimedia travel demand campaign aims to increase awareness and help people beat the rugby crowds by getting them to plan ahead and avoid the busiest times and locations.

"With excellent support from local stakeholders and transport providers, the campaign will start to appear in the host cities over the coming weeks during the lead up to the start of the tournament.

"We encourage people to use the dedicated transport website available at www.rugbyworldcup.com/gameplan."

With Twickenham Stadium set to host 10 of the 2015 Rugby World Cup matches, as well as the England internationals against France and Ireland during the build-up to the tournament, the campaign will largely focus on the Richmond and Hounslow areas of London, raising awareness of increased demand.

In Richmond, the A316 between London Road and Hospital Bridge Road will be fully closed for seven hours on match days - three hours before, during the match and two after - to accommodate additional bus services and managed access for local residents and businesses.

Particular attention will also be given to Cardiff, where eight matches are scheduled to be staged at the Millennium Stadium.

"Rugby is all about teamwork and detailed preparation and we welcome this pro-active campaign which urges fans, local residents and businesses to prepare for England 2015 by planning their journeys and transport options,” said World Rugby chairman, Bernard Lapasset.

"Through strong awareness and forward planning, everyone's Rugby World Cup experience will be enhanced."

The user-friendly travel information website, which is available here, provides people with information on road closure times and busiest times at stations around the 13 venues on match days which will allow them to plan ahead and minimise disruption to their journeys.

The website also provides links to partners including Transport for London and relevant Councils where further information is provided.

Additionally, a live Twitter feed from @RWC2015Travel will be dedicated to tournament travel updates.

Spectator travel information for each match venue is now available by clicking here. 

Fans are encouraged to use the spectator journey planner which is available by clicking here.

The planner informs fans of additional travel options in place to assist them on their journeys to matches or fanzones during the tournament and provides links to the transport providers so that they can book tickets directly.



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