Drivers faced significant delays this morning as police closed the M6 motorway between Telford and Stafford due to an ongoing incident. The northbound carriageway was shut down from junctions 12 to 13 at approximately 07:00 BST, causing traffic chaos for early morning travelers. According to National Highways, officers from Staffordshire Police were dispatched to the scene, accompanied by paramedics from the West Midlands Ambulance Service.
The nature of the police incident remains unclear, but it prompted a full closure of the motorway, leading to reported delays of around 45 minutes and heavy congestion stretching back from junction 11 to junction 12. National Highways confirmed that the closure was lifted shortly before 09:00 BST after the situation was "successfully resolved."
As the incident unfolded, the Road Crime Team from Staffordshire Police was already active on the M6, having made several arrests the previous day as part of Operation Lightning. On Good Friday, April 18, 2025, officers apprehended individuals wanted for various serious offenses, including immigration violations and sexual assault. This operation involved police swarming the motorway to ensure safety and enforce the law.
One notable arrest involved a driver who was wanted for deportation and a passenger who was recalled to prison. During a stop check on a vehicle near junction 11, officers discovered that the driver not only lacked a valid driving license but also had a passenger with a similar issue. The vehicle was subsequently seized.
Adding to the drama, another incident saw a Peugeot overtaking a marked police vehicle at speed, only for officers to find that the driver did not possess a full driving license. The Road Crime Team tweeted, "If you’re going to overtake a marked police vehicle travelling at the speed limit on the #M6, make sure you have a valid driving licence and insurance." It was revealed that none of the eight passengers in the car had valid licenses either.
In a separate arrest, a man wanted for sex crimes in the West Midlands was taken into custody after police deployed tactics to stop a VW Golf traveling on the motorway. The driver was wanted for rape and sexual assault, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement on the busy thoroughfare.
As the morning progressed, traffic conditions became increasingly dire due to the closure. National Highways reported that delays had reached 45 minutes, with a five-mile tailback forming on the northbound side of the M6. As police worked to resolve the incident, traffic was diverted, leading to further congestion on surrounding roads.
Despite the challenges, the closure was eventually lifted, allowing traffic to resume its normal flow. However, residual delays persisted as the backlog of vehicles gradually cleared. National Highways stated, "The Staffordshire Police incident on the M6 northbound near Cannock is now resolved and the road has reopened. Residual delays of 45 minutes above usual journey times on the M6 northbound approaching Stafford remain."
With the motorway now open, traffic maps indicated a shift from red to yellow, suggesting that conditions were improving. Nevertheless, surrounding roads like the A449 saw continued congestion as diverted traffic sought to rejoin the M6.
As authorities worked to assist road users caught in the delays, they issued guidance for navigating the diversion effectively. Road users were advised to follow the Hollow Triangle diversion symbol displayed on road signs, which directed them to exit the M6 at junction 12, take the A5 westbound, and then connect with the A449 northbound to rejoin the M6 at junction 13.
Today’s events underscore the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and traffic management on major roadways, especially during peak travel times. As police continue to address incidents on the M6, drivers are reminded to remain vigilant and adhere to traffic regulations to ensure their safety and that of others on the road.
In summary, while the M6 has reopened after the police incident, the day’s events serve as a reminder of the complexities and unpredictabilities of road travel, particularly during busy holiday periods. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as they work to maintain safety and efficiency on one of the UK’s most crucial transport routes.
