WIDESPREAD traffic problems are being experienced across the South Hams after a fuel spillage in Dartmouth brought traffic to a standstill.

The main road into Dartmouth reopened this afternoon (Tuesday) after a lorry leaked 150 litres of fuel onto the carriageway yesterday evening.

Fire crews were called out to the A3122 at Blackawton at 20.53pm on Monday.

A spokesman for Devon & Somerset Fire Rescue said: ‘On arrival, crews confirmed a 38 tonne articulated lorry had a hole in the diesel tank. Crews got to work to try and stem the flow with an environmental pack.

‘Approximately 150 litres of diesel has been spilt on the highway. At present the road is closed.’

Traffic website Inrix reports that the road will remain closed until afternoon, or resurfacing work. Diversions have been set up.

Shortly after midday the A379 - the other route into Dartmouth - became blocked at Stoke Fleming. Police report that a lorry and bus have become stuck trying to pass each other on Weeke Hill. At 13.52pm traffic website Inrix reported that the road is now blocked in both directions, with queueing traffic in the vicinity.

Traffic problems have also been reported in Strete and West Charleton.