LAST minute Christmas shoppers poured into Swindon centre blocking the town's roads.
Traffic reached a virtual standstill on many of the roads leading to town centre car parks.
The problem reached a peak at 11 am yesterday and traffic in Princess Street, Fleming Way and Islington Street in front of Swindon Police Station ground to a halt.
Jams were also reported on Groundwell Road and Wootton Bassett Road and there were long queues at the town's multi-storey car parks.
Police acting police sergeant Richard Palmer said: "We experienced severe traffic problems in Swindon yesterday.
"To try and relieve the problem in the run up to Christmas we would advise people to use the park and ride or catch the bus."
The Copse Park and Ride has extended its opening hours over Christmas.
Buses were running between 7am and 6.40pm today and will operate from 10am to 5pm tomorrow.
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