Overview
- Car parks remained full through the afternoon and into the evening, with many motorists reporting waits of two hours or more to exit.
- A Trafford Centre spokesperson attributed the severe queues to heavy post‑Christmas footfall compounded by a vehicle breakdown at M60 Junction 9.
- The centre said dedicated traffic teams were working with Greater Manchester Police and highways authorities to manage key junctions.
- Inrix reported very slow traffic near Junction 10 with tailbacks to Junction 15, while the Bee Network warned of significant bus delays.
- Shoppers and witnesses said drivers kept entering despite full‑car‑park signs, contributing to total gridlock, and one shopper left her car to direct vehicles.