MOTORISTS experienced severe delays during the morning rush hour after part of the A127 was closed following two seperate four-vehicle crashes within hours of each other.

Police shut the London-bound carriageway between Rayleigh Weir and the Fairglen Interchange after two vehicles collided on the busy dual carriageway in the Rayleigh area at around 4:25am. 

A third car then smashed into a police car whilst it was attending the scene.

Police were then alerted to another four-vehicle crash on the Rayleigh Weir roundabout involving two cars and two vans.

The Land Rover Discovery, Fiat Punto, Ford Transit Van and Renault Trafic collided at around 6:44am, causing further delays.

Paramedics were called to both incidents, although it is thought no one was seriously injured in either crash.

A man who was involved in the first accident was taken to Southend with minor injuries.

Both incidents are believed to have occurred due to icy conditions on the road.

Delays were also experienced on the A13 as drivers sought to avoid the A127.

A spokesman from Essex Police said: "Police are advising motorists  to slow down and drive according to the conditions, keep their distance from other vehicles in front and aim to drive smoothly without braking harshly or changing direction suddenly."

The A127 between Rayleigh Weir and the Fairglen Interchange was reopened by around 9am.

 

Did you get stuck in the traffic? Send us your pictures at echonews@nqe.com