Drivers faced delays of up to 20 minutes on the M6 southbound this morning.

It resulted in congestion, particularly at junction 7 at Great Barr as many drivers tried to leave the motorway.

Highways Agency spokesman Nathan Wallis, said: “We apologise for the slight delays caused this morning by the over-running roadworks on the M6 which was caused by a broken down vehicle on site.”

Overnight a driver ecaped serious injury when he careered off the M6 and crashed into a tree.

It happened just after 1am today between junctions 5 and 4a southbound at Castle Bromwich.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said the car plunged down an embankment and hit a tree and a fence. Crews discovered that the driver, in his 20s, had escaped through the rear window with minor cuts.