Gridlock hit Southend as day trippers flocked to the town to enjoy some seaside fun in the bank holiday sun.

Motorists from across Essex and further afield poured into the town from 10am yesterday causing major traffic congestion.

Cars clogged up Eastern Avenue as drivers struggled to reach the seafront. At the end of the day motorists started heading home at around the same time and sparked more congestion going out of the town along the A127.

Traffic officers described the A127 as gridlocked at times and Tory MP Sir Teddy Taylor kept up his pressure on council chiefs to re-think the town's transport strategy.

Sgt Richard Ager from Rayleigh traffic police said the A127 was brought to a standstill by the massive amount of bank holiday traffic.

He added: "The A127 into Southend was fairly busy starting from about 10am and as the day progressed the tailbacks went up to the A130 junction.

"The A13 wasn't as bad because there are a few more escape routes there. It's a pity more people didn't use the A13 to take the pressure off the A127.

"But how often do we get a bank holiday as nice as that so everyone just comes out?

"When it piles up like that, there's nothing you can do really."

Rochford and Southend East MP Sir Teddy was caught up in the traffic jams. He said: "It was unbelievable getting down to the seafront.

"The volume of traffic showed clearly and precisely that we need to re-think our roadway pattern.

"It's certainly taught me we want to get a better road system but we should also encourage more people to come here on public transport.

"An outer ring road would ease the traffic in the centre of the town. The seafront was packed and it amazed me how busy Shoebury East beach was as well."

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