TRAFFIC was delayed on the M6 between junctions 30 and 31 yesterday morning after a series of small accidents caused by icy conditions.

Three of the four southbound lanes close to the Samlesbury junction were briefly blocked twice around breakfast time as Highways Agency, police and fire brigade staff moved vehicles off the carriageway between Preston and the M61 junction.

Temporary lane restrictions were imposed several times for salvage work but no-one was reported injured.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: “We have had four or five incidents on the M6 between junctions 30 and 31, all minor bumps because the icy conditions.

“The road was treated overnight but we need vehicle traffic to drive the grit into the ice.

“Traffic was stopped a couple of times but the motorway was not actually closed.

“Lane restrictions were in place while we moved vehicles on to the hard shoulder.”

There were also a couple of minor incidents on the M55 from Preston to Blackpool.