A HUGE traffic build-up which caused a six-mile queue on the A12 has seen a man reported for careless driving, police have said.

A multi-vehicle collision on the A12 between Junction 26 (Eight Ash Green interchange) and Junction 27 (Spring Lane interchange) at midday caused major queues, with traffic being completely stopped by the authorities.

Major delays were being shown by the AA's live traffic map.

One lane was eventually re-opened as the miles of traffic slowly filtered through and the congestion eased.

But police have now confirmed a man has been reported for careless driving which may have contributed to the incident.

In a statement released by Essex Police, a spokesman said: "We were called to reports of a multi-vehicle collision on the A12 between junctions 25 and 26 at midday on Saturday 15 April."

"No-one was injured but one driver has been reported for careless driving."

Some drivers took to social media to vent their frustration whilst they were stuck in in the long queues.

One wrote on Twitter: “Well over 20 minute delays. I haven't moved for half hour at least and we're engine off now.”

Another said they had been queueing in traffic for more than 45 minutes, with traffic also building up on the B1408 London Road.

The collision came less than a day after a crash on the Cymbeline Way approach to Spring Lane roundabout, which saw three people taken to Colchester General Hospital.

By 4pm, National Highways East reported all lanes had eventually reopened, and a spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said no patients were taken to hospital after the incident.

The spokesman said: "We were called on 15th April 2023 at 12.01pm to a medical emergency on the A12. One ambulance was on scene.

"No patients were conveyed."

Essex Police has asked anyone with information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to the incident to get in touch by calling 101 and quoting the crime reference number 520 on Saturday, April 15.