Traffic Alert: Long delays on M6 towards Birmingham following vehicle fire

Motorists are facing long delays on the main southbound M6 towards Birmingham today following an earlier vehicle fire.

The fire closed one lane and while the vehicle has been recovered, there are still long tailbacks affecting the stretch between Junction 10a (the link with the M54) and Junction 6 (A38/Birmingham city centre).

Highways England has said delays are currently between 30 to 40 minutes against normal journey times and motorists has been advised to seek alternative routes although the rush-hour traffic means all roads around the motorway remain busy.

The agency had hoped that normal conditions would return around 8.30am but the disruption further south between Junctions 6 and 5 (Castle Bromwich) and problems enabling hard shoulder running have caused further problems.

Delays are now said to be moderate but situation between Junctions 6 and 5 is not expected to clear until around 3pm.