Drivers in and around Penrith on Wedensday afternoon have been caught up in what has been called the worst traffic chaos in memory for the town following a HGV fire on the M6 Southbound at Clifton just after 12pm
Just after 12pm both appliances from Penrith fire station and one from Shap were mobilised to the HGV fire on the M6.
On arrival the incident a requested was made from the commander at the scene further a two fire appliances and Applebys Unimog to assist with the large quantity of water needed for fire crews to extinguish the fire..
Delays of over two hour have been faced by drivers on the M6 southbound between J41 and J39 this afternoon following the fire which has closed 2 lanes between J40 and J39.
The burnt out vehicle has now been recovered, however National Highways said “A complex clear-up operation is now ongoing at scene.”
Delays are expected to continue around Penrith until at least 9pm this evening.
The congestion has seen drivers near Carlisle heading to Kendal this afternoon recommend by satnavs to head to Newcastle on the A69 and use the A1, A59 and A65 as a quicker route to avoid the congestion at Penrith.
Drivers travelling within Penrith this afternoon have seen delays of over 90 minuites trying to move within the town.
Delays of over 2 hours have been reported on the M6 and A66 around Penrith following the latest incident on the roads that has brought Penrith to a standstill.
Traffic was clearing in the town by 7:30pm after most roads and streets were grilocked with raffic trying to travel in and round the town via any road drivers could find.