Drivers Trapped in Cabot Circus Car Park for Nearly Four Hours
Drivers faced an exasperating experience at Cabot Circus car park, where many were trapped for nearly four hours. This situation arose on November 15 due to malfunctioning traffic lights outside the shopping center. The delays resulted in significant disruptions, affecting not only those inside the car park but also traffic in the surrounding areas.
Drivers Stuck for Extended Period
Arron Howe, who arrived back at his car around 6 PM, spent approximately 90 minutes stuck in traffic. He described his experience as fortunate compared to others trapped on higher levels. A fellow driver revealed that a mother with a baby had been waiting for nearly four hours to exit the facility.
Issues with Communication
Many drivers criticized the lack of communication from the car park staff. Reports indicated that security personnel attempted to manage traffic on the lower floors, while those on upper levels received little to no updates about the situation. A driver attempting to leave at 2:40 PM noted that they were stranded on the 8th floor without information.
- Location: Cabot Circus car park, Bristol
- Date: November 15
- Reported wait times: Up to four hours
- Incident start time: Approximately 2:40 PM
- Arron Howe’s wait: 90 minutes
Impact on Local Traffic
The malfunctioning traffic lights contributed to congestion beyond the car park. Avon & Somerset Police closed nearby Redcliffe Hill due to a protest, exacerbating the traffic issues. Howe expressed concerns about worsening conditions as the holiday season approaches, noting increased crowds in the town center.
Customer Experience Affected
Drivers expressed frustration over their shopping plans being disrupted. A driver, who had just spent over three hours stuck, indicated that they would reconsider visiting Cabot Circus in the future. With the Christmas season approaching, many fear that similar situations could persist.
