A LARGE build-up of traffic well in advance of rush hour is causing problems for motorists across Colchester.

Heavy traffic running from East Street, Brook Street, and into Wimpole Road has meant scores of cars have been left gridlocked nearly two hours in advance of the evening rush.

Motorists have been left at a standstill from the Wimpole Road / Magdalen Street junction all the way back to Wimpole Road surgery.

Gridlocked – the Essex Highways live traffic map is showing a build-up in traffic (Image: Essex Highways)

With no accidents or major roadworks listed on the Essex Highways live traffic map, the cause of the traffic is not yet known – though heavy rainfall may have resulted in more people using their cars.

Part of East Street has been reduced from three lanes of traffic down to two in preparation for roadworks taking place on from Monday to Wednesday next week.