A major police operation brought the M40 motorway to a standstill near Warwick on Tuesday afternoon, sparking travel chaos for thousands of motorists during peak travel hours.
The incident began around 4:15 PM when officers from Warwickshire Police attempted to stop a vehicle travelling southbound between junctions 14 and 15. In a dramatic turn of events, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot, prompting an extensive search operation.
Motorway Gridlock
Police made the decisive move to close the southbound carriageway completely as they scoured the area for the missing driver. The closure remained in effect for approximately two hours, creating a perfect storm of rush hour disruption.
Stationary vehicles stretched for miles as frustrated travellers found themselves trapped in the gridlock. Many took to social media to express their frustration and seek alternative routes as the situation unfolded.
Police Appeal for Information
Warwickshire Police have launched an urgent appeal to locate the driver and are asking anyone with information to come forward. A police spokesperson confirmed: "We're conducting a thorough search of the area and following several lines of enquiry to locate this individual."
The abandoned vehicle has been recovered for forensic examination as investigators work to piece together the circumstances leading to the dramatic incident.
Travel Impact
The closure created significant knock-on effects across the region's road network:
- Major delays on alternative routes as drivers sought diversions
- Extended journey times for commuters and commercial vehicles
- Impact on local roads around Warwick and surrounding villages
- Delays continuing even after the motorway reopened
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a single vehicle incident can bring a critical transport artery to its knees, affecting thousands of travellers and local communities alike.
