M4 traffic news: Gas tanker catches fire causing MAJOR tailbacks in Easter motorway hell
A LORRY fire on the M4 is causing misery for thousands of motorists as they try to get away for the Easter break.
Gas tanker catches fire causing MAJOR tailbacks on M4
The M4 hasbeen closed in both directions after a juggernaut containing compressed gas caught light between junction 17 for Chippenham and junction 18 for Bath.
Wiltshire Police have told drivers to stay in their vehicles and await instructions.
Highways England said the lorry has now been cleared but tailbacks remain.
Hours after the accident there are queues for half a mile.
Motorists are being told to avoid the area if possible.
There are delays of between 20 minutes and half an hour on the M5 southbound at the junction with the M4 due to the lorry fire.
The queues will likely be made worse by the sheer number of vehicles on the roads today - one of the busiest days in the year for motorway traffic.
Thousands of Brits are travelling acround the country for short breaks over the long weekend.
The Highways Agency has advised all travellers check their route before leaving.
Breakdowns may also cause huge problems.
#M4 is now OPEN J18-J17. 2 lanes remain closed and there are long delays approaching the scene. Thanks for your continued patience.
— Highways England (@HighwaysSWEST) April 14, 2017
On the image below, the left-hand side is the queuing traffic on the #M4 e/bound, J19 - J18. Allow plenty of extra time for your journey. pic.twitter.com/QGt3YdFzxc
— Highways England (@HighwaysSWEST) April 14, 2017
On the image below, the left-hand side is the queuing traffic on the #M4 e/bound, J19 - J18. Allow plenty of extra time for your journey. pic.twitter.com/QGt3YdFzxc
— Highways England (@HighwaysSWEST) April 14, 2017
New research has predicted that as many as 60,000 British motorists will breakdown over the course of the bank holiday.
Green Flag has estimated that a whopping five breakdowns will happen every thirty seconds over the weekend, which is one every six seconds.