COLCHESTER Zoo has defended its winter ticket offer, arguing housing and commercial developments in the surrounding area were to blame for traffic which delayed visitors for up to three hours.

The venue is currently offering cut-price tickets for as little as £10.50 when they are bought in advance, meaning visitors can pay £10.50 for entry to the zoo on weekends – a £10 saving.

But on Sunday, frustrated motorists complained they had been stuck in traffic for hours on end in Warren Lane and Maldon Road, with many people abandoning their trip to the zoo altogether because of the delays.

The congestion coincided with the zoo's cut-price offer, but a spokesman for Colchester Zoo has said in an official statement that its ‘January Blues’ sale runs every year, and that the area is experiencing heavier traffic due to newly built housing and shopping centres.

Gazette: Queue – some drivers were stuck in traffic for nearly three hours, according to reportsQueue – some drivers were stuck in traffic for nearly three hours, according to reports (Image: Social Media)

The statement also sought to justify its promotion as a means of increasing footfall at the venue during a time of year when the number of visitors dwindles.

A spokesman said: “Colchester Zoo’s January Blues promotion has been running since the beginning of January and ends on February 16.

“This is a promotion that the zoo has run for a number of years and during weekends we tend to see similar numbers to a Summers day.

“It is necessary for the zoo to run such promotions during periods of time when attendance to the zoo is usually low to ensure that the zoo can continue to develop and assist conservation – without visits to the zoo, this would not be possible.”

Gazette: Reliant – Colchester Zoo argued that their reduced price offer increased footfall and revenue for the zoo, both of which are needed to keep the business runningReliant – Colchester Zoo argued that their reduced price offer increased footfall and revenue for the zoo, both of which are needed to keep the business running (Image: Newsquest)

The spokesman went on to apologise for the delays and added that staff will be prepared to manage the car park when there is an influx of visitors.

He continued: “Over the last year, traffic in the surrounding areas of Colchester Zoo has increased significantly in general with developments such as housing and shopping centres.

“We can only apologise for any delays experienced and assure visitors that our staff are prepared and manage the car park as efficiently as possible.”