M6 traffic carnage as motorway closed after huge lorry and motorhome crash

Families heading out for half-term are facing long delays on the M6 this afternoon following a collision. The smash on the northbound stretch has seen two lanes shut off. And a live map from National Highways shows traffic is 'not moving' between Junction 12 and 13.

An alert issued by traffic monitoring system Inrix states: "Two lanes closed and queueing traffic due to accident on M6 northbound from J12 A5 Watling Street (Gailey) to J13 A449 (Stafford South)." And the message from National Highways on X reads: "2 lanes (of 4 ) are closed on the #M6 north between J12 #Gailey and J13 #Stafford in the #WestMidlands[1]. This is due to a collision between a lorry and a motor-home.

National Highways traffic officers and recovery in attendance. There are 30 minute delays on approach." Photos from the scene shows stationary traffic on a long stretch of the motorway which is busy with holiday traffic this week with many children on half term.

It is estimated there are currently delays of around 30 minutes through the scene.

Surrounding routes are busy as motorists are seeking alternative routes. The A449 northbound through Penkridge is busy. The restrictions on the motorway were lifted at 3.35pm but there remain long delays due to the earlier incident.

National Highways wrote on X in an update: "All lanes are now open on the #M6 north between J12 #Gailey and J13 #Stafford in the #WestMidlands. Please allow extra journey time whilst traffic flow returns to normal. Thank you for your patience."

While many people have headed abroad for the schools' half term many have instead chosen holiday favourite destinations up and down the country.

Keeping the kids entertained is particularly hard in winter when the weather[2] is unpredictable.

References

1. ^ #WestMidlands (x.com)
2. ^ weather (www.mirror.co.uk)