Shoppers at the Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester found themselves in frustrating conditions on December 29, 2023, as many reported being stuck in the car parks for over two hours. The chaos was attributed to a combination of heavy traffic and a vehicle breakdown near the M60 motorway, which exacerbated the already congested situation.
Numerous customers took to social media to voice their frustrations, sharing images and videos of lengthy queues that extended all the way to the nearby motorway junction. Reports indicated that some drivers were unable to exit their parking spaces due to the gridlock. One shopper, Katrina Cliffe, described the scene, stating, “We have been trying to get out of the car park since 15:45, so it’s been over an hour. You just can’t get anywhere.”
The Trafford Centre acknowledged the complications, indicating that the usual high volume of visitors was significantly worsened by the breakdown incident. They noted that car parks were advertised as full throughout the afternoon, but the situation quickly escalated. Traffic monitoring site Inrix confirmed reports of slow-moving traffic on the M60, particularly on the anti-clockwise carriageway at Junction 10, with congestion stretching back to Junction 15 at Swinton.
In response to the chaos, the Trafford Centre stated, “With a busy day at the centre and nearby retail parks, combined with a vehicle breakdown at Junction 9, roads in and out of the centre are more congested than usual. Our dedicated traffic teams have been working with Greater Manchester Police and the highways authorities, deploying officers in key areas to try and get things moving as quickly as possible. We appreciate our visitors’ patience while trying to get in and out of the car parks.”
While some shoppers reported being stuck for over two hours, others expressed their frustration through social media platforms such as X, previously known as Twitter. One user remarked, “Trafford Centre is absolutely vile; it’s hell trying to get out of the car park,” while another echoed the sentiment, declaring they had been trapped for two hours.
The conditions prompted some individuals to abandon their vehicles entirely. Cliffe mentioned that she took it upon herself to assist with traffic management, guiding other motorists out of the congested parking area. Her efforts highlight the frustration many experienced during that chaotic afternoon.
As shoppers faced extensive delays, the Trafford Centre’s management sought to address the situation proactively, encouraging visitors to remain patient while they worked to resolve the traffic issues. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise during peak shopping periods, particularly in busy retail environments.
