A VEHICLE fire caused traffic chaos on the M40 on Friday lunchtime (April 12).

The car fire happened southbound between Junction 5 and 4 near Stokenchurch and High Wycombe, resulting in hour long delays.

Initially, the vehicle blaze led to two of the three lanes being closed.

Smoke from the car fire was seen from a resident in Lane End, which is right next to the M40 motorway.

Emergency services quickly arrived on the scene.

Drivers were warned of extended journey times and asked to be patient.

AA traffic live reported at 2.23pm: "Long delays and two lanes closed due to recovery work and car fire on M40 Southbound between J5 A40 Ibstone Road (Stokenchurch) and J4 A404 (High Wycombe Handy Cross Roundabout). Congestion to northbound side onlookers slow to look."

At 2.16pm, the situation was so dire that Highways England advised motorists of delays of up to an hour.

Highways England said: "The event is expected to clear between 4pm and 4.15pm on April 12, 2024".

Traffic was at a standstill as reported by the Bucks Free Press at 2.17pm: "Traffic is not moving on the M40".

Even after the lanes were reopened, heavy traffic persisted, partially due to a subsequent vehicle breakdown.

However, by 4.06pm, all lanes were reopened, and delays began to alleviate.

The National Highways: East team reassured road users that improvements were taking place, thanking them for their patience during the ordeal.

Despite these disruptions, normal traffic conditions returned by 4.30pm.