M40 reopens after lorry crashes across reservation

The crash saw queues build up on Wednesday morning

The M40 has reopened after a lorry crashed through the central reservation into several other vehicles, with four people taken to hospital.

Emergency teams said the HGV crossed from the northbound to the southbound carriageway at about 19:40 GMT on Tuesday, overturned and spilt its tank of diesel.

Closures were in place between Junction 11 for Banbury and Junction 15 for Warwick, but by Wednesday evening, Warwickshire Police said the motorway had fully reopened in both directions.

Police said some people called 999 in frustration at being stuck in traffic, putting a strain on services and subjecting call handlers to abuse. The force said: "Please be reminded that 999 is for emergencies."

In a statement posted on social media, Warwickshire Police posted: "Anyone placing false calls to 999 and abusing staff may be investigated for wasting police time and any relevant public order offences.

"Thank you again to the vast majority of people, who have demonstrated an enormous amount of patience and community spirit since last night."

National Highways said full resurfacing was needed, and the destroyed central reservation barrier had to be replaced before the road could reopen.

The road's body had advised people to plan ahead and stated if the closure "impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time".

On Tuesday night, police also said they were working as quickly as possible with partners to recover vehicles and to help those stuck in traffic.