Motorists in Sandbach are demanding answers after the town was literally gridlocked on Friday (21 August) following two incidents on the M6.

Roads were once again jammed with vehicles trying to find alternative routes away from the M6 following a lorry fire between junctions 18 and 19 and then a HGV going through the central reservation between junctions 15 and 16 just after lunchtime.

Hundreds of motorists were left trapped on the M6 south of junction 17 on Friday evening, some for four hours, in what was described as a 'terrifying experience' after the M6 south below Junction 16 was closed.

Motorists sat on the M6 just below junction 17 for hours with no help or information available and drivers absolutely confused about the situation.

"There was no information at Junction 17 to say the road was closed below 16. Vehicles got on not knowing they would literally be trapped for hours," said one motorist.

"I left my home in Sandbach at 4.30 in plenty of time to get to Trentham Gardens for a concert. Due to the traffic from the earlier accident, Sandbach was literally at a standstill.

"Every direction I tried to get away from the traffic was impossible and no other routes were available to choose. It was an impossible situation and very frustrating.

"There were no diversions in place and no information or signage. Residents are fed-up of the town grinding to a halt due to the M6 accidents.

"I didn't see one police officer or traffic officer from 4.30 pm until 10 pm when I got off the M6 to the A500. It was ridiculous. Lots of people needed the toilet.

"People were sat in their vehicles not knowing what was going on. It was very frightening, I really thought I would be in my car all night.

"The issue we all had was the lack of information. We were just sat for hours. Nothing to say this was happening to stop people going on the M6 at junction 17. "

Sandbach Nub News has approached Sandbach Town Council for a comment on congestion on the town's roads and National Highways who look after the M6.

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