We can shop on Sunday, and we can shop late at night, but we still can't avoid the Saturday afternoon traffic jams.

For the last few weekends motorists have found themselves stuck in the Fleming Way car parks for anything up to half an hour, trapped by the sheer volume of traffic trying to get in and out.

The council says that there isn't really a lot it can do, as the Christmas park and ride schemes have been cancelled due to lack of bus staff.

More reason than ever to start your Christmas shopping early and try to do it on weekdays. The alternative will be a nightmare.