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Preston’s road network once again creaked and groaned with bumper-to-bumper traffic for 36-hours this week.
The latest M6 closure, due to a lorry crash which took out the central barriers and saw fuel spilled across the carriageway, meant urgent repairs were needed.
National Highways and Lancashire Police issued a robust response to motorists – who were left enduring delays of up to nine hours in some cases for those caught at the sharp-end of the queues – saying the repairs and the way they were carried out were needed for safety.
As Blog Preston was pulling together this feature during Friday morning there was a further major crash on Friday morning which saw the motorway shut at junction 29 to 30 northbound with three lanes closed – and ‘here we go again’ thought most Preston motorists.
But it has reignited calls for the section of the M6 from Junction 29 to Junction 33 to be looked at – as Preston and the surrounding areas minor roads struggle to take the strain when the motorway is closed.
Sir Mark Hendrick, the city’s Labour MP, has written to the Transport Secretary calling for intervention – a call which has been supported by neighbouring MP Maya Ellis who has a large swathe of Preston and South Ribble in her Ribble Valley constituency.
In Sir Mark’s letter he outlines his support for exploring a cut to the speed limit on the stretch from the Tickled Trout junction all the way to the Garstang junction.
And voices his support for a new River Ribble bridge linking the Penwortham Bypass and the Preston Western Distributor.
Maya Ellis added her support for a new river crossing and also pinned hopes on the newly formed Combined Authority and reorganised local councils in Lancashire being better placed to secure funding for major projects than the status quo.
She said: “I’ve spoken to many residents about the impact that a growing city and a growing number of houses has on this area. It’s great to see investment and growth so people have safe places to live and great employers to work for, but we have to make sure that investment extends to the right infrastructure and roads to support this.
“I know that potholes and traffic jams can have one of the biggest impacts on people’s day to day lives and that it can wear down general wellbeing over time.
“Preston is a growing city which will have increasing needs, and I fully support the calls for a new bridge in Penwortham to support this growth. These kinds of incidents which take out the M6, impact on roads across Lancashire so I also look forward to seeing how devolution and our newly established combined authority will take leadership on advocating for more investment in Lancashire roads, and I will continue to speak with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to help build that case.”
Your reactions to the M6 chaos and what can be done
Across Blog Preston’s website and social media feeds there has been constant commenting and thoughts about the M6. Here’s a selection of views and what readers had to say.
Vic Slater said: “Accepting that this latest incident appears to be caused by a medical issue, many of the incidents are caused by bad driving. The presence of a police car permanently on the hard shoulder might help to slow traffic down a bit. A constantly rotating tour by police from Samlesbury to the M55 junction, back through Preston and back on the M6 at Samlesbury might also help.
“Before you start bleating about the cost of those suggestions I suspect they would be substantially cheaper than the cost of police, removal of vehicles, NHS costs, repairs to barriers and road surfaces etc, etc, almost on a daily basis!”
Howard Morgan said: “A bridge will not make any difference because of all the junctions etc. Speed limit of 50 mph, heavily enforced, as a starter to see if it makes a difference and some sort of return to contraflows especially where there are 4 lanes each side. A billion pound bridge, a total waste of money in comparison to some common sense solutions.”
Brian said: “It would help if there were improvements made to the north bound entry slip road at junction 32. It is very short considering it is a junction between the M6 and M55.
“Also the trees stop you being able to judge the traffic as you are joining. A consequence of this is that many truck drivers pull out into the second lane of the M6 well before the junction to give the ones joining some room.”
Andy Mac said: “And they want to build a new super hospital in South Ribble, along with another big project off Lostock Lane, plus the new cricket ground and thousands of new houses! I’m sorry but the other days gridlock will be nothing compared to the future potential!”
Beverley Christopher said: “It needs a new junction around Garstang it’s a long stretch between 32 and 33 the A6 is a nightmare all the way from Broughton to Lancaster when this section of M6 is closed it’s ridiculous”
Safety comes first – National Highways give their verdict
The motorways and their maintenance are the responsibility of National Highways – a government-owned company who operate, maintain and improve motorways.
Blog Preston approached National Highways for a response on the events this week on the M6 and also to ask whether anything could be done.
A spokesperson for National Highways said: “Safety is our priority. The collision of an HGV with the central barrier on the M6 on Monday between junctions 31a and 32 northbound caused significant damage to all four lanes of the carriageway due to a fuel spillage and to the central barrier.
“The M6 northbound, and lane 4 southbound, therefore remained closed overnight until the resurfacing work and repairs to the barrier were safely completed.”
We also put to them whether better street lighting was needed on the M6 at Preston – as it had been raised by readers and those on social media.
They pointed out street lighting had been turned off between Junction 30 and Junction 32 for several years – with no adverse increase in collisions. And the section between Junction 26 and 29 had seen lighting switched off between midnight and 5am since 2010.
A spokesperson for National Highways said: “Safety is our top priority, and we regularly review safety on our roads. This includes the provision of lighting. Since 2007 we have been applying new standards following a review of the safety benefits of lighting across our network. The review concluded that while lighting can contribute to road safety in some circumstances, its widespread use on the network is not justified in safety terms.
“We retain lighting where it provides a worthwhile safety benefit but switch it off or remove it when the cost of providing lighting would have a greater safety benefit elsewhere. We do this when existing lighting reaches the end of its serviceable life, and we need to take a decision about whether to renew it. Some lighting at junctions is required and will be retained as a matter of course, in any event.”
National Highways declined to comment on other issues raised in Sir Mark Hendrick’s letter, saying it was a matter for the Department for Transport to address.
County say roads investment has helped, but ‘no amount’ would resolve motorway closures
We approached Lancashire County Council, the authority with responsibility for roads across Lancashire – outside of the majority of the motorway network – for what they felt could be done about the continuing M6 gridlock.
County councillor Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development and growth, said: “We very much sympathise with road users who have been caught up in the traffic problems caused by the motorway closing.
“Given the amount of traffic that uses the local motorway network, the reality is that no amount of local highway improvements could completely cater for the volume of traffic that is diverted onto local roads when a motorway closes at peak hours.
“On a day-to-day basis, we’re working hard to alleviate the increasing demands on Preston’s roads including utilising the latest technology, such as the use of AI and smart traffic lights, that will help us to predict, manage and respond quicker and more effectively to changes in traffic flows across our road network.
“The last decade has also seen considerable investment in Preston and South Ribble’s transport network, including the £207m Edith Rigby Way and William Young Way to the west of the city, the £32m James Towers Way bypassing Broughton and the £17m John Horrocks Way bypassing Penwortham, as well as £25m of dualling and junction improvements to the A582 connecting the M6/M61/M65 motorways with the city centre.
“Another £65m of investment is planned to deliver further improvements to junctions on the A582 serving the motorway and key employment sites at Cuerden and Farington Business Park.
“We’ve also recently secured £27.1million to improve bus services as well as investing in cycling and walking provision, to widen travel choices across the area and relieve the increasing demands on local roads.
“The creation of the new Lancashire Combine Authority also brings new opportunities. A new Local Transport Plan for the area will direct transport investment, which could include investment in heavy and light rail, our bus network, major improvements to Lancashire’s motorways and major roads, as well as work to support of a new crossing of the River Ribble at Preston, which is something that has been a long held ambition for many decades.”
What police had to say over calls for increased patrols
Asked about whether increased police patrols were needed on the stretch of the M6 running near Preston, a Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “While we would never comment on specific patrol plans, the public should be reassured that we always have a specially trained road policing presence on the Lancashire motorway network and shift resources to where demand requires at any one time. We also have pre-planned operations to proactively target criminals utilising the motorway networks and to ensure road users are adhering to legal vehicle requirements.
“We appreciate that it can be incredibly frustrating for road users when a closure is put in place on the motorway, and the impact it has on surrounding routes which often are overwhelmed by the increased traffic flow.
“When collisions take place on any road network, our priority is always to preserve life and investigate the cause. If we shut the motorway, it’s for an immediate public safety concern. At the earliest opportunity a police closure is reinforced and then taken over by National Highways or Lancashire County Council, releasing the motorway police officers to other aspects of the incident or investigation.”
An open letter had been circulated on social media aimed at Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw calling for him to step in and increase patrols on the M6.
The open letter, from regular M6 motorist John Keen, called on improved policing on the stretch of the M6 at Preston and more support when there are motorway closures on the city’s major A-roads.
In response, Mr Grunshaw told Blog Preston: “I fully appreciate concerns raised by the public and, like everyone who uses our roads, I share the frustration caused by recent road closures and diversions, especially on major routes like the M6, resulting in unacceptable congestion across the road network.
“There are a range of partners that are all members of the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership and together have important roles in ensuring road safety and managing the effects of accidents.
“The Constabulary, like all services, have a finite amount of resources, with patrols continuing to be needed across the county. However, I will continue to invest in the force’s dedicated road policing unit and road crime teams to help keep Lancashire’s roads moving, to stop those who endanger other road users, and to respond effectively to collisions.”
The economic impact of gridlock
Blog Preston received comments from many frustrated readers about missing appointments, being late for work or not being able to go about business meetings as a result of the gridlock. While no one can put a figure on the cost to the city, and wider area’s, economy each time the M6 grinds to a halt there’s no doubt it is hurting businesses and individuals in the pocket.
North and Western Lancashire’s Chamber of Commerce policy manager, Nick Hyde, told Blog Preston: “While accidents and incidents can be unavoidable, it is evident that we need a more comprehensive emergency traffic plan to prevent our major roads from becoming completely congested.
“Our chamber members have expressed that these ongoing traffic issues are significantly affecting productivity, with employees struggling to arrive on time, deliveries being delayed, and customers opting to avoid the city due to the congestion. It is crucial for authorities to explore practical solutions to ensure traffic continues to flow during disruptions to the motorway network.
“Preston serves as a vital economic centre for Lancashire, and frequent traffic jams are not merely an inconvenience- they pose a significant obstacle to business growth and investment.
“We are committed to collaborating with businesses and local leaders to advocate for a better contingency plan that prioritises keeping Preston moving. Without prompt action, these challenges will persist, impacting businesses, employees, and residents alike.”
Mr Hyde added he was stuck for at least 45-minutes trying to leave their Fulwood-based offices in Eastway as a result of Monday’s crash.
How do you get people out of their cars?
Alongside the economic impact, there’s the environmental impact of the regular gridlock with engines idling for hours.
Preston Pedals is a group which works to encourage cycling in and around the city.
Julie Ridley, one of the team behind Pedals, told Blog Preston: “Traffic gridlock in Preston caused by incidents on the M6 not only worsens the already high levels of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from cars but also contributes to the growing sense that our city isn’t safe for cyclists or pedestrians.
“When cities are designed around car use for daily commutes and public transport options are limited, incidents like those on the M6—becoming an all too regular occurrence — only add to the frustration felt by everyone. While other major cities have implemented special bus lanes to help buses navigate through busy periods, this recent disruption saw some passengers stuck on buses for hours.
“At Preston Pedals, we’re working to encourage people to swap short car trips—especially those under 2-3 miles—for cycling. Alongside improving bus services in the city, this shift could significantly ease congestion, improve air quality, and make a meaningful dent in reducing the city’s environmental impact, all while fostering a safer, more accessible environment for active travel.”
Recent M6 incidents triggering Preston gridlock
Monday 10 March 2025 – Junction 31 to Junction 32 is shut northbound for 18-hours after a lorry crash, with barrier repairs and full resurfacing needed.
Friday 7 March 2025 – The northbound Junction 32 to Junction 33 section is closed for 14-hours for repairs due to an overturned lorry, with southbound also affected.
Sunday 9 February 2025 – A crash on the Junction 30 to Junction 29 southbound section closes the motorway for at least six hours
Wednesday 5 February 2025 – A van driver was seriously injured in a crash with a lorry which closed the motorway between Junction 32 and Junction 33
Monday 3 February 2025 – An early morning crash near Junction 31 northbound, involving six vehicles, shut the motorway for most of the morning – gridlocking the city as drivers tried to find their way around it.
Friday 31 January 2025 – A lorry hits the central reservation on the M6 northbound between Junction 32 and Junction 33 causing long delays throughout Friday morning and lunchtime.
Sunday 12 January 2025 – A man, a pedestrian, sadly dies in a crash on the northbound M6 between Junction 27 and 28 involving a lorry and a number of other vehicles.
6 November 2024 – A lorry driver dies in a ten-vehicle crash between Junction 32 and Junction 33, which sees the motorway closed for nearly 24-hours.
29 October 2024 – A crash, involving Yousuf Bhailok as revealed by Blog Preston, takes out part of the central barriers at Junction 31 resulting in traffic gridlock across the city as repairs take place.
30 August 2024 – A lorry crash spilling beer cans across the M6 at Junction 27 to Junction 28 sees widespread disruption on a sunny Friday afternoon.
The pinch points
Junction 32 to Junction 33 stretch – calls for the idea of a new junction on the 12-mile stretch were rebuffed by National Highways, in February they released a statement continuing to rule out any new junction.
Junction 31A – one direction only – it comes up regularly, here’s our story from 2018 which answers the question.
New bridge plan – we recently grilled a senior Lancashire County Council cabinet member on the new bridge proposed – since the 1960s – to cross the river at Penwortham to Lea.
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