MOTORISTS in Southend have bemoaned horrendous traffic problems during this evening's rush hour as the town copes with a series of road closures.

A lorry carrying onions overturned in Eastern Avenue this morning, with several surrounding roads still closed as the clear-up operation continues.

Drivers have been stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic as vehicles are diverted via alternative routes.

Eastern Avenue is closed in both directions between Cuckoo Corner and Sutton Road.

The lorry has been recovered, but the clean-up of the onion is ongoing.

It had been hoped the clear-up would be finished at about 7pm, allowing the road to re-open.

There are severe delays on all surrounding routes towards the closure including the A127, A1159, Sutton Road, West Road and West Street.

Many residents have taken to social media to voice their frustration and, in some cases, amusement at the cause of the problem.