M4 chaos: Drivers brace for delays as vehicle fire on major motorways causes serious disruptions

Drivers have been warned to expect delays this afternoon after a serious vehicle fire has caused a major motorway to slow down.

The M4 in Berkshire is currently closed eastbound between J10 (Wokingham) and J8/9 (Maidenhead) due to the fire, which has caused heavy congestion and delays.

According to National Highways, emergency services were called to the scene earlier today after a vehicle caught fire.

Crews from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended and worked to bring the blaze under control. The fire has now been extinguished, but the incident has left behind hazardous conditions on the road.

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The agency warned an oil spillage caused by the vehicle is now the primary concern, with specialist teams currently working to clear the carriageway.

Until the clean-up operation is complete, the motorway will remain closed for safety reasons.

National Highways traffic officers are also on site, helping manage the situation and assist with traffic control.

Drivers initially experienced around a mile of congestion approaching the closure, although traffic has since eased as diversion routes have been established.

Despite this, motorists are being urged to allow extra time for their journeys and consider alternative routes where possible.

A signed diversion is in place. Eastbound drivers are being directed to leave the M4 at Junction 10 and follow the A329(M) northbound, continuing onto the A3290.

From there, drivers are advised to join the A4 towards Maidenhead before taking the A404(M) to rejoin the M4.

National Highways has indicated that two lanes may reopen shortly if conditions allow, but there is currently no confirmed timeframe for when the motorway will fully reopen.

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There have been no reports of injuries linked to the incident at this stage. Motorists planning to travel through the area are advised to check traffic updates before setting off and remain alert for changing road conditions.

The M4 is a motorway that runs from London, all the way to South Wales, stretching across the west of the UK.

It opened in 1961 and was completed in 1996, and carries over 130,000 vehicles every day, according to data from National Highways.

The M4 is also one of only three motorways in Wales. There’s a toll bridge on the M4 that crosses the River Severn; drivers pay the toll to enter Wales but not to enter England.

National Highways shared on X: "Vehicle recovery is underway, and two (of four) lanes are now open on the M4 eastbound between J10 Wokingham A329M and J8 Maidenhead A404M following an earlier vehicle fire.

"No delays reported, there's a short pocket of congestion of less than a mile, this will now ease."

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