Drivers have been warned to expect hours of delays this afternoon following a vehicle fire along a major motorway.

The fire, which was situated near Birmingham Airport, has caused the M6 in Warwickshire to close northbound between J3A (Coleshill) and J4 (M42).

Emergency services, including Warwickshire Fire and Rescue, are in attendance, with National Highways Traffic Officers also on scene assisting with traffic management.

National Highways has now urged drivers to follow the diversion route in place and warned that there are currently 60 minutes of delays on approach.

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

The diversion instructs drivers to exit the M6 at J3A onto the "free toll" road to join the M42 northbound.

From here, they should continue to J9 and use the roundabout to return via the southbound M42 and exit the M42 via the link road to re-join the M6 at J4A.

Updating drivers, National Highways shared on X: "The M6 is now closed northbound between J3A (Coleshill) and J4 (M42) due to the ongoing lorry fire. Traffic is being diverted via the M42 up to J9 roundabout. Please plan ahead of travel."

The agency said it expects normal traffic conditions to return between 8pm and 8.15pm later this evening.

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

Warwickshire Police shared: "There is a fire on the M6 North near the exit for Junction 4 (A446), which is also preventing exit from the M6 onto the M42 south.

"There is significant traffic on the surrounding roads. Please reroute accordingly. Thank you for your patience."

A spokesperson for Birmingham Airport urged drivers to take extra care this afternoon due to the incident.

The airport shared on X: "There are multiple ongoing road incidents on the M42, M6 and A4545 near Birmingham Airport resulting in closures. Please plan your journey accordingly."

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

The M6 spans over 230 miles in length and covers the Midlands, through to the north of the UK, and upwards to the Scottish border.