MOTORISTS are warned to brace themselves for traffic chaos when thousands of people head towards Southampton’s cruise terminals today.

Three cruise ships have already docked at Southampton and more than 5,000 passengers are expected to make their way into the city throughout the day.

The Emerald Princess, the World Odyssey and the Balmoral liners are expected to be sailing at 4pm, 6pm and 6.30pm, respectively.

But motorists are advised that West Quay Road could come to a standstill as the holidaymakers make their way to the terminals.

In previous years motorists have been left queuing for hours along the trunk road into town when multiple cruise ships have docked into Southampton.

In 2014 holidaymakers were forced to relieve themselves at the side of the road or even abandon their cars after they waited three hours to make a ten minute journey.

Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes into town before they go shopping in the city centre.

Latest figures show that more than 1.5 million people passed through Southampton as they embarked cruise ships to destinations across the world.

In 2014 422 cruise ships docked at Southampton - each of which was estimated to contribute £2 million to the local economy.