'Accidental fire' left no injuries, fire service says

A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were called at 9.40am today to the M6 southbound between junctions 11 and 10A following reports of a car on fire.

"Two appliances attended the scene and found a car well alight.

"Crews used breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire and nobody was reported injured.

"The cause of the fire was deemed to be accidental and recovery was arranged for the vehicle.

"Crews left the scene at 10.40am."

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Two lanes now open

Just before 1pm, National Highways said there is now just one lane closed.

The lane has been shut for emergency resurfacing.

There are still delays of 30 minutes on the approach.

Two lanes remain closed

Lanes two and three of the M6 southbound remain closed between J11 (Shareshill) and J10A (M54), National Highways said.

The road will stay closed while the surface is relaid following the car fire.

Lane one is now open, reports say. Delays of 30 minutes are to be expected on the approach.

Motorists told to 'plan ahead'

Drivers are being told to "plan ahead" after a vehicle fire lead to the closure of the M6 motorway.

Major delays are on the cards after the car fire lead officials to close the southbound carriageway.

Drivers should expect 30-minute delays

National Highways states the M6 southbound remains closed between J11 (Shareshill) and J10A (M54) for recovery and clear up works following a car fire.

There are currently delays of 30 minutes on the approach.

Images show heavy congestion after vehicle fire

CCTV images show huge queues snaking back for miles after a vehicle fire closed off part of the M6 this morning.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service are said to be on the scene.

Ambulance and fire services contacted

The Mirror has reached out to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue and West Midlands Ambulance Service for further information.

National Highways recommends diversion route

National Highways, which operates Britain's network of roads, has urged road users to take alternative routes to avoid the traffic.

The diversion route:

• Exit M6 at Junction 11 southbound and take the fourth exit onto the A460 westbound.
• Continue on A460 westbound to M54 junction 1.
• Take the 1st exit onto the M54 eastbound.
• Continue on M54 eastbound to M6 Junction 10A.
• Exit the M6 Junction 10A to re-join the M6 southbound.

Traffic monitoring site warns of 'long delays'

Inrix, a website monitoring traffic on Britain's roads, said drivers should expect "long delays" on the M6 this morning.

The latest update read: "M6 southbound blocked, long delays due to car fire from J11 A460 (Cannock) to J10A M54 J10A.

"All traffic stopped at around 10am."

National Highways announces closure of M6 due to vehicle fire

On its website, National Highways said the M6 has been closed due to a car fire.

A statement on the site reads: "The M6 in Staffordshire is closed southbound between J11 (Shareshill, Cannock) and J10A (M54) due to a car fire.

"Lane 3 is now open on the northbound carriageway.

"Staffordshire Fire Service are on scene. National Highways Traffic Officers are providing assistance with traffic management.

"Vehicle recovery is being arranged."