The junction of Fishergate and Butler Street has become a major bottleneck Pic: Tony Worrall

Gridlocked traffic during the run up to Christmas through Preston city centre could be eased.

Drivers have reported delays of up to an hour trying to escape the city centre in recent weeks, particularly using the St George’s Shopping Centre and Fishergate Shopping Centre car parks.

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Lancashire County Council says it is changing the right of way on a number of key junctions to stop tailbacks. Roadworks on the upper stretch of Fishergate have been completed until the New Year.

A no right turn has been introduced at the Butler Street and Fishergate junction. Motorists trying to turn right when coming up out of the railway station have been causing congestion.

Instead drivers will be forced to turn left and then diverted into Bow Lane and onto the Ringway, or they can continue down Fishergate Hill.

Chapel Street is also now closed to vehicles coming from Winckley Square. You can still turn from Fishergate into Chapel Street.

Related: When is there free parking in Preston city centre?

Cabinet member for highways and transport county councillor John Fillis said: “Preston city centre, like many other cities, gets very busy in the run up to Christmas and we’re working to improve the experience for shoppers, and boost businesses, by easing congestion as much as we can.

“This plan has worked in previous years, and we’re ready to bring it in early if necessary to keep traffic moving from Black Friday onwards.”

From Tuesday 1 December only buses will be able to turn right from Fishergate into Corporation Street.

It is not known how long these changes are to remain in force.

Related: Preston Christmas Market opening times and when you can get a drink

Will these changes help? Have you been driving in the city centre in recent weeks? Let us know in the comments below