Angry drivers had to endure hours of inching their cars along when traffic problems once again left a Colchester car park at a virtual standstill.

Cars were backed up to the top floor of the NCP car park in Osborne Street on Saturday because of the volume of traffic passing the multi-storey's exit.

Taxi driver Michael Carson, 64, of Mason Close, Shrub End, said: "It's just ridiculous.

"We are only moving one car at a time, but you've got to keep inching forward in case you're holding something up."

Hazel Judge, of Yale Mews, High Woods, said: "It's dreadful. Why can't they do something?"

NCP staff closed the entrance off early on Saturday afternoon and spent time on the ramps advising customers what was happening and why.

Mick Amey, 50, of Rectory Road, Copford, said: "It's ludicrous. We've been here 20 minutes and moved six feet. The whole lot is blocked from top to bottom.

"This requires a policeman on duty. Road traffic should be controlling this."

The NCP duty supervisor, who did not wish to be named, said when the bus lane was put in place in January there were problems.

But it had been "acceptable" since the traffic light phase was altered.

He said despite requests on Saturday, police had refused to open the bus lane to relieve the congestion.

"I would like to see a policeman out there on point duty getting the traffic moving. But the police say it's the borough council's problem.

Acknowledging the problem could be bad for business, he said. "If you've been stuck in this, you're going to look for somewhere else to park next week."

Echoing that sentiment, Helen Saunders, 28, of Hurrell Down, High Woods, said: "I'm definitely not going to use this car park again."

Last week, the council blamed faulty traffic lights at the junction of Osborne Street and Stanwell Street for the jam.

Drivers had queued for up to three hours to get out of the building. Some were so fed-up that they re-parked and walked back into the town.

No-one was available from NCP yesterday (Monday).

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