MOTORISTS are being urged to avoid driving past Southampton docks today due to "severe congestion".

The warning has been issued by Southampton City Council's travel updates service, which earlier this morning predicted the waterfront would be "busy" due to several cruise ships arriving and departing.

In a tweet, a spokesperson from Southampton Travel said: "High volumes of cruise passengers are expected in the city today with several cruise ships arriving/departing. Please continue to plan any journeys to the waterfront in advance as it will be busy."

They later added: "Severe congestion along the Waterfront at present. Please avoid if possible."

According to the AA's live traffic map, six cruise ships are in port today.

They are due to depart between 5pm and 8.30pm.

The average speed on Town Quay is five miles per hour.

Daily Echo: Credit: AACredit: AA

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News