'Impromptu' cruise ship checks cause gridlock in Southampton
Drivers were caught up in long tailbacks
Extra security checks for passengers boarding four cruise ships in Southampton has caused traffic gridlock.
Police urged people not to travel into the city "unless absolutely critical" because of the long queues to the port.
Holidaymakers are boarding cruise ships Anthem of the Seas, Balmoral, Britannia and MSC Virtuosa.
The city council said Border Force were carrying out "impromptu checks" on all passengers which had slowed everything down.
Travel reporter Selina Ross said: "We had reports of some people abandoning vehicles heading into the city and were seen wheeling their luggage along to the cruise terminals."