Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning of “significant traffic congestion” on a portion of Highway 401 due to drivers heading out on Boxing Day.

In a post Thursday at 8:03 a.m. on The Toronto Premium Outlets, a large outdoor shopping mall, is located right at the exit.

In an image accompanying the post, a row of illuminated taillights from several vehicles can be seen, with stopped cars taking up at least one lane past the exit. The OPP did not say when the photo, taken on a traffic camera, was taken Thursday.

“Shoppers are advised to use the Winston Churchill Blvd exit as an alternative to ensure a safe and smooth shopping journey,” the OPP post said.

“As a reminder, the HTA (Highway Traffic Act) does not allow pedestrians to walk on controlled access roads, including exits.”

The OPP added that members of its Mississauga detachment would be “proactively monitoring” the area throughout the day.

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The Toronto Premium Outlets are just one of the many attractions open on Boxing Day in the Toronto area.

In Canada and other countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom, the day after Christmas is a secular national holiday known as Boxing Day.

No one knows exactly when Boxing Day began, but some believe it was centuries ago when servants had the day after Christmas off to rest. Others trace it even earlier to the Roman practice of collecting money in chests.

In modern times, Boxing Day has evolved into a day of relaxation and enjoyment – ​​and shopping. It is full of sporting events and is often a day when people open their homes to family and friends to celebrate the holidays.

— with files from The Associated Press

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