PROBLEMS involving Red Funnel Ferries are causing traffic chaos in Southampton city centre.

Drivers are experiencing long delays around Town Quay and Ocean Village as well as parts of the main shopping area.

Motorists are being urged to avoid the area.

Shipping congestion in the Channel began to have a knock-on effect in the Southampton area, delaying the docking of a Red Funnel ferry.

Employees also had to contend with a medical emergency involving an elderly passenger who suffered a fall.

The problems have resulted in long queues of vehicles waiting to use the Red Funnel services, adding to congestion on the roads.

Southampton Travel tweeted: "Town Quay, long delays on all approaches due to operational issues at Red Funnel Ferries, please avoid this area if possible."

Fran Collins, chief executive of Red Funnel, said: “We apologise for the delay passengers are experiencing across our service today.

"This was caused by congestion in the Channel, followed by a medical emergency on board and subsequent delays in attendance from the emergency services.

"We understand delays are contributing to excess traffic and congestion in and around Town Quay and we are providing passengers with updates via text.

"We advise anyone travelling today to arrive no sooner than advised and to check the service status on the Red Funnel website where updated departure and arrival times are available.

“We are working hard to clear traffic in the area by operating a shuttle service until further notice.

"We apologise that this incident follows a number of recent unconnected delays and disruptions, and we are sorry for the inconvenience caused.

"We will be undertaking an urgent review of our processes to manage unplanned delays."

Posting on Twitter this afternoon, leader of Southampton City Council Daniel Fitzhenry said: "Some of you will have been caught in the series traffic delays around Town Quay and Red Funnel terminal.

"We are aware of the situation and working with traffic management team, Red Funnel and police to help solve this serious congestion."

More follows.