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M6 chaos as drivers face 13 miles of tailbacks

Severe delays and up to 13 miles of tailbacks have caused traffic misery for drivers on the M6.

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A large Diesel spill occurred on the M6

A large oil spillage left drivers stuck in queues spanning eight miles of the motorway between Junction 11 for Cannock and Junction 8 for the M5.

Two of three lanes were closed, with drivers reported to be travelling at just 5mph in delays of up to 90 minutes following the diesel spillage on the M6 southbound.

Drivers approaching Junction 13 for Stafford South are also facing delays of up to 30 minutes in traffic travelling at 15mph and spanning five miles following an earlier crash.

Highways England warned drivers to allow extra time for their journeys or consider alternative routes.

It said: "The M6 currently has delays of at least 60 minutes from Junction 11 to Junction 8, covering several miles of the southbound carriage.

"The delays are due to a broken down HGV and significant spillage of diesel on the carriageway with lanes one and two, of three, closed.

"Highways England has resources deployed working hard to restore normal conditions as soon as possible.

"For traffic approaching the delays locally, you are advised to expect disruption with extra journey time and you may wish to re-route or delay your journey.

"If travelling towards this area from much farther afield, you may wish to change your strategic route, allow extra travel time and follow guidance from our on-road variable message signs and media."

A car and lorry collided on the M6. Pic: Highways England

The "residual delays" on the approach to Junction 13 come after a crash involving a car and a white lorry on Wednesday morning.

Drivers were stuck in tailbacks for at least 30 minutes and for three miles after the collision near the junction 13 slip road.

Two of the three lanes were shut, with drivers travelling at just 10mph following the crash.

Highways England added: "Delays are reducing and it is anticipated that normal traffic conditions will return shortly."

All lanes were opened on the M6 southbound between J10 and J9 by around 4.45pm.

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