WORK has started on creating a new exit from a notorious Salisbury car park - and it's set to open by Easter.

Tesco Extra on Southampton Road has been a black-spot for gridlocked traffic for years, prompting calls from locals for a new exit to ease flow.

Salisbury Journal: The current entrance/exit on Southampton RoadThe current entrance/exit on Southampton Road

This call was finally answered in 2016 as planning permission for the additional exit - submitted in 2014 - was granted, after a government inspector overturned Wiltshire Council's previous refusal - a decision made due to concerns about the potential creation of a rat-run.

Salisbury Journal:

Now, Tesco has started work on the exit, which will lead drivers onto New Petersfinger Road. 

However, it is understood that shoppers will still only be able to access the store from Southampton Road.

Salisbury Journal:

A spokesman for Tesco said: “We have begun preparatory works to create an additional car park exit from our Salisbury Extra store and are hoping to complete the works by Easter.”

Salisbury Journal:

It comes nearly a year since shoppers were left "absolutely livid" after being issued with fines after being trapped for several hours in the car park.