Traffic Alert: Long delays as lorry fire closes M5

Motorists using the M5 southbound have been warned of long delays following a closure of the carriageway due to a major lorry fire.

The closure affects the long section between Junction 3 (Halesowen) and Junction 4 (Bromsgrove) and queues are already reported to be stretching back for four miles into the roadworks between Junctions 1 (West Bromwich) and 2 (Oldbury).

The southbound entry sliproad at Junction 3 has also been closed.

The scene is not expected to clear until after 10am.

Highways England had been forecasting delays of 50 minutes but has revised this to 20 minutes. Nevertheless, drivers have been advised to find alternative routes. It has advised traffic heading towards the South West to do so via the M6 and M42.