Big traffic delays at Sydney’s fish markets

THE annual trek to the fish markets has become something of a ritual for Sydneysiders on Christmas Eve — and so has the long wait.

Traffic chaos ‘will only get worse’

THE annual trek to the fish markets has become something of a ritual for Sydneysiders on Christmas Eve — and so has the long wait.

Early this morning roads around the Sydney Fish Markets in Pyrmont were already full of cars as shoppers tried to beat the rush of the markets 36-hour shopping marathon.

Heavy traffic actually began to build last night with motorists complaining of delays and congestion as late as 10.15pm.

More than 110,000 people are expected to pass through the market gates between opening at 5am yesterday and closing at 5pm tonight.

A spokeswoman for the Transport Management Centre told news.com.au traffic was particularly bad along the Pyrmont bridge road.

“And it will probably only get worse.”

Motorists were being urged to allow plenty of additional travel time because traffic was heavy “on all approaches”. Buses were also running at 15 minute delays.

If you're thinking Fish Markets this morning, here's the memo: the rest of Sydney has the same idea 😳

— Dr NRL (@dr_nrl) December 23, 2015

PYRMONT: #SydneyFishMarket - heavy traffic on all approaches to the fish markets including #AnzacBridge. Expect lengthy delays

— Live Traffic Sydney (@LiveTrafficSyd) December 23, 2015

It’s predicted more than 660 tonnes of seafood, including 924,000 oysters, will be sold at this year’s event.

“It’s the busiest time of year,” Sydney Fish Market general manager Bryan Skepper said ahead of the opening.

“The crowds are big and buzzing during the day and throughout the night.”

Mr Skepper said crowds were up five per cent at 5am this morning when compared to the same time last year.

“So we are well on target to get to 110,000 people by the time the 36 hours is over.”

The crowds were patient and happy, despite the waiting times.

“One thing that always amazes me is the good spirits people are in. They come down here for the experience as well.”

He expected the crowds to stay strong throughout the day, but believed there would be enough stock for any latecomers.

Among them today will be Kirsty Lissa, who spent yesterday waiting patiently in queues to buy seafood for the cafe she manages in Newtown.

Today though she will be back, this time shopping for her own Christmas lunch.

“It wouldn’t be Christmas without seafood, it’s part of our family tradition,” Ms Lissa said.

“We still do pork and turkey but we start the day with seafood.”

Originally published as Big traffic delays at Sydney’s fish markets