The AA issued an "amber traffic warning" for today with 16.1 million car journeys expected to take place amid the pre-Christmas rush.

Motorists expect to face delays during the festive period as last minute shoppers head to towns and cities and families drive across the country to visit one another. 

These are the major south Essex roads where drivers are facing long delays today amid the holiday traffic:

  • A127 Southend-bound, Prince Avenue – slow moving traffic between Nestuda Way and Cuckoo Corner
  • Southend - Slow moving traffic on Victoria Avenue (Southbound between Cuckoo Corner and West Street/East Street
  • Southend - slow moving traffic on London Road (A13) Southend-bound between Westbourne Grove and Victoria Avenue
  • Lakeside, West Thurrock - Very slow traffic around the shopping centre and retail parks

  • Brentwood town centre - slow on Ongar Road and Ingrave Road approaching the High Street at Wilson's Corner

  • Rayleigh - delays in Rayleigh town centre - particularly on the High Street in both directions - on Crown Hill towards the High Street and southbound on Webster's Way

  • A129 - slow moving traffic in both directions approaching the A127 at the Rayleigh Weir

  • Pitsea - slow traffic in High Road and South Mayne

  • A13 - slow traffic from South Mayne to Nether Mayne, with delays also on Nether Mayne

  • A130 Canvey Way – slow southbound from the A13 at Sadlers Farm to Somnes Avenue

  • A130 and A1245 – both slow moving southbound towards the A127 at the Fairglen Interchange