M5 traffic live: Long delays near Exeter as lanes closed after lorry carrying hay bales catches fire

There are long delays for drivers on the M5 motorway at Exeter after a lorry carrying hay bales caught fire on Friday 20 December.

Two lanes are closed on the southbound side of the motorway near Junction 31 for the A38 and the turn-off to Okehampton.

Google Maps is showing congestion stretching back to Junction 29 at Blackhorse.

The delay to drivers is estimated to be around 90 minutes.

Normal traffic conditions are expected between 2.30pm and 2.45pm on Friday 20 December.

The fire broke out on the southbound carriageway just before 10am on Friday 20 December and crews from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service attended.

Crews from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are at the scene Credit: D&SFRS

The whole southbound carriageway was previously closed between Junctions 30 (Exeter) and 31 (Torquay, Bodmin/Okehampton) to allow police and the fire service to attend.

National Highways is advising drivers who are intending to use the M5 to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.