Heavy traffic is causing mayhem in Ipswich town centre this afternoon as last-minute shoppers flock to the high street.

Ipswich Star: Buses are being caught up in the delays Picture: ARCHANTBuses are being caught up in the delays Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Christmas is just around the corner – and it seems Ipswich shoppers have joined the mad rush for presents ahead of the big day.

Huge queues have been spotted along Princes Street and Friars Street as shoppers in their droves are trying to get into the Buttermarket car park.

Ipswich Star: The Buttermarket car park in Ipswich is currently full Picture: ARCHANTThe Buttermarket car park in Ipswich is currently full Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

It is currently completely full – and the massive tailbacks are currently preventing buses from getting to the Old Cattle Market station.

One appears to have only moved a few metres in a 40-minute period.

Ipswich Star: There is heavy traffic in Ipswich town centre Picture: ARCHANTThere is heavy traffic in Ipswich town centre Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

December 21 is statistically the worst for traffic on Britain’s roads.

Elsewhere in the region, one food shopper reported there were no trolleys whatsoever at a Tesco store in Colchester – as the shop was completely packed with people stocking up their festive treats.