Traffic chaos traps shoppers at Trafford Centre car parks

Hundreds of shoppers were left stranded at the Trafford Centre on Monday after severe congestion caused gridlock around its car parks

Visitors reported being unable to move their vehicles for hours as post-Christmas sales traffic coincided with incidents on nearby motorways.

Traffic built up rapidly during the afternoon, leaving multiple car parks completely locked.

Dan Thomas, 37, said he was trapped for more than four hours with his two children and pregnant partner after travelling from Warrington.

Mr. Thomas said the family had driven to the centre to watch a film before returning to their vehicle.

He said they entered their car at around 15:45 GMT and did not leave the car park until approximately 20:30.

The delay caused his partner, Charlotte, to miss her 18:00 nursing shift.

We walked out to the car to see red lights everywhere basically.

Dan Thomas said.

I honestly thought it was just going to be slow moving but nothing moved for a good 20 to 30 minutes.

Thomas said.

Mr Thomas said he later discovered another driver behind him had already been stuck for nearly two hours.

He said a tannoy announcement warned of problems on the M60 motorway and advised shoppers to remain inside.

The congestion occurred near the upper floor of the Regency car park.

Mr Thomas said the experience has discouraged him from driving to the Trafford Centre again.

This just hammered home that on any busy period I’m less likely to come back.

Thomas said.

Other shoppers also voiced frustration on social media throughout the day.

One shopper described the situation as “carnage” and said they would not return.

Another complained of sitting in traffic for three hours and criticised traffic management.

A spokesperson for the Trafford Centre said car parks were advertised as full throughout the day.

The spokesperson said traffic teams were deployed to help manage vehicle flow.

With a busy day at the centre and nearby retail parks, combined with a vehicle breakdown at Junction 9, roads are more congested than usual.

The spokesperson said.