LIVE: M6 drivers hit with hours-long delays after lorry fire

Closure comes as AA issues ‘amber’ warning of congestion as summer getaway starts

Drivers are being warned to expect severe congestion, with the AA issuing its first “amber traffic warning” for Friday and Saturday. Congestion is expected to peak between 11am and 3pm on both days. This is due to a combination of the first switchover days for holiday lets during the school summer holidays in England and Wales, a rail strike, the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and the start of the Football League season in England.

The M6 and M62 could be hit by traffic jams, said the AA.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “With holiday let switchover day starting on Friday mixed with train strikes and a huge weekend of sport, we are concerned that drivers will experience delays across the network, with the south of England particularly vulnerable.

“All eyes will be on Dover and Folkestone, but we believe changes have been made throughout the week and we will keep our fingers crossed for a smoother trip across the Channel.”