0900 hrs

NATIONAL Highways is advising drivers to avoid the southbound M11 between junctions 5 and 4 today following a vehicle fire earlier this morning.

The car fire happened at 2.14am and has forced the closure of three lanes between junction 5 (Loughton) and junction 4 (North Circular).

Due to damage caused across the carriageway, the hard shoulder only will be running traffic through the day before emergency resurfacing can take place tonight.

In the meantime, and with delays expected in the area and affecting junction 6 of the M25, drivers are advised to select alternative routes for their journeys during the day.

During the closure, drivers can obtain up-to-the-minute travel information on local radio, the @HighwaysEAST X feed, by phoning the National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by accessing the website: www.trafficengland.com