A FUEL spillage has closed the A12 southbound, causing heavy traffic in Stanway and Copford.

The incident took place at about 9am this morning, with traffic from Colchester diverted through London Road after all lanes on the A12 southbound were closed between junction 25 and junction 26.

Roads are particularly slow around Tollgate, where cars have been queuing on roundabouts near the Sainsbury’s supermarket.

A live traffic map provided by Essex Highways has described the incident as a “load spillage” and drivers are experiencing delays of up to half an hour.

The Gazette has contacted Essex Police for further details.

A sentencing hearing which was due to take place at 10am in Chelmsford Crown Court was also delayed because the judge was delayed in traffic, it is understood.

Traffic levels are not expected to return until normal levels until after noon.

More to follow.