A serious traffic accident involving a car and a van led to the closure of the southbound lane of the M6 between Junction 13 (Stafford) and Junction 12 (A5, Cannock, Wolverhampton, Telford) this afternoon. As a result, drivers are facing long delays, with traffic extending back four miles and recovery operations underway. The crash, which occurred at 12.39 PM, has left vehicles gridlocked for hours, with one lane remaining closed two hours after the incident.

The impacts of the closure have prompted drivers to seek alternative routes, particularly affecting the A449 Stafford Road southbound through Penkridge, which is also seeing heavy traffic due to the M6 closure. Traffic monitoring systems are reporting significant congestion and delays, with waiting times now averaging around 40 minutes. The situation highlights the challenges drivers face during peak traffic periods and the ripple effect such accidents have on local road networks.

Emergency recovery teams are currently en route to the crash site to assist in clearing the lanes and restoring normal traffic flow as soon as possible. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for caution on major roadways and the potential for accidents to disrupt travel plans for many commuters and travelers during busy times.