Alleged ‘unfit’ driver arrested after M6 crash causes 7-mile traffic jam

A 24-year-old man from Preston has been arrested on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs

12:22, 30 Jul 2025

A man has been arrested after a serious pile-up on the M6 resulted in huge delays. Traffic queued up on the Lancashire motorway following a crash between a van, lorry and a car on the northbound carriageway at around 6.30am today, July 30.

The incident occurred between J31 and J31A near Preston. All traffic was held on the motorway as emergency services attended the scene.

Drivers were warned to avoid the area.

One lane remain closed in the aftermath of the crash, with traffic jams extending for seven miles down the motorway. The congestion resulted in travel delays of around 45 minutes.

The road reopened at around 8am and the motorway is now clear. Lancashire Police told LancsLive[1] that a man in his 30s was taken to hospital with minor injuries following the collision.

In a further update, they confirmed that a 24-year-old man from Preston has been arrested on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs.

He was also taken to hospital with minor injuries and remains in custody for questioning.

An appeal has been launched for witnesses and footage.

In a statement, Lancashire Police said: "At 6:34am on Wednesday July 30 we were called to reports of a collision between a van, lorry and a car on the M6 northbound close to J31, Preston. Officers attended and a man in his 30s was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

"A 24-year-old man from Preston has been arrested on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs. He was also taken to hospital with minor injuries.

He is currently in custody.

One lane was closed for a period of time but has now reopened.

"Officers in conjunction with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, NWAS and National Highways worked quickly and effectively to minimise the closure and ensure the motorway network was opened quickly.

"If you witnessed this incident or have any CCTV/dashcam footage, please call 101 quoting log 221 of 30th July."

For the latest news and breaking news visit http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/[2].

Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Join the Liverpool ECHO Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community to receive the latest news straight to your phone by clicking here[3].

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here[4]

References

1. ^ told LancsLive (www.lancs.live)
2. ^ http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/ (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
3. ^ by clicking here (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
4. ^ Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)