Traffic delays in Ashford as Black Friday sales begin
Published: 12:00, 25 November 2016
Updated: 14:32, 11 September 2019
There were delays on the approach to a Kent shopping centre as Black Friday bargain-hunters descended.
There were reports of congestion by Asda supermarket and the Designer Outlet in Ashford, with bus services said to be affected.
Stagecoach South East tweeted: "#ASHFORD: Due to heavy traffic at ASDA services 11, 2, 2a, A, and B will be subject to delays".
Despite Asda opting out of Black Friday sales this year, it is believed many shoppers turned up looking for deals anyway, looking for bargain prices before Christmas.
Matthew Maytum, communications officer for Stagecoach South East, said on Friday: "We are experiencing exceptional traffic congestion in many areas this morning.
"We're also seeing many more people using the bus today. Sales of our new smartphone tickets are at their highest since we launched them on our mobile app.
"It does appear that this is happening because many people are heading to the shops for Black Friday."
Ashford Designer Outlet was contacted for comment.
Traffic was also said to be delayed by the Sevington Ashford Retail Park.
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Molly Mileham-Chappell