A lorry has caught fire forcing both lanes to be closed on Monday afternoon. The fire is on junction 17 (Howe Green/A130) and junction 16 (Galleywood/B1007). The blaze was reported at 3.15pm.

       Motorists have been warned to expect long delays.

       The fire was reported on the Londonbound carriageway.

       It is unclear if anyone has been hurt from the incident.

       Essex Travel News said: "A12 Both Directions - road blocked between J17 (Howe Green/A130) and J16 (Galleywood/B1007) due to a lorry fire on the Londonbound carriageway.

       "Northbound is being held due to the smoke blowing across the carriageway.

       "Long Delays in both directions."

       The A12 heading towards London remains blocked from junction 17 to A130 (Howe Green) to junction 16 B1007 Stock Road (Galleywood).

       Congestion has also been reported at junction 15 and 18 on the Londonbound side.

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       Traffic is moving slowly through Chelmsford on the Baddow Bypass, Baddow Road (B1009), Van Diemans Road (A1114) and Chelmer Road (A138) towards the Army & Navy roundabout

       Long delays are also expected on junction 18, heading towards London.

       Northbound lanes have now been reopened.

       However, there are delays due to onlookers.

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       Essex Travel News added: "Road blocked near J16 (Galleywood/B1007) due to a fire on a single-vehicle transporter van (which was carrying a car) and fuel spillage.

       "Long Delays to J18 (Sandon/A414).

       "Northbound is slow around J16 due to onlookers."

       Earlier today, police were called to a lorry blowout on the A12.

       The northbound carriageway in Witham between junction 21 and 22 was closed due to the incident.

       Police officers were also called to the A12, A2, A3, and A40 due to climate change protestors on Monday morning.

       Overall, 38 people were arrested by the police.