Motorists Face Major Disruption on the M62
Motorists travelling on the M62 have faced significant delays after a serious crash caused multiple lane closures and miles of tailbacks. The incident, which occurred during peak travel hours, has affected thousands of drivers and brought large sections of this vital trans-Pennine motorway to a standstill.
Details of the Incident
The latest reports confirm that a collision between two cars forced the closure of four out of five lanes on the eastbound carriageway between Junction 28 at Tingley and Junction 29 at Lofthouse, near Leeds. Emergency services responded quickly at the scene. Paramedics treated one person for injuries, who was then taken to Pinderfields Hospital for further care. Police were called to the scene just after 4pm and managed the closure as congestion built rapidly.
Witnesses reported traffic stretching for over five miles along the affected stretch. Cars were scarcely inching forward as the situation developed, with motorists advised to avoid the area if possible or allow extra time for their journeys.
Official Statements and Emergency Response
West Yorkshire Police confirmed that they responded to the incident swiftly. In a statement, a police spokesperson said: “We were called to a collision involving two cars on the M62 eastbound near junction 29. One person was injured and has received medical attention. Enquiries into the cause of the incident are ongoing.” Yorkshire Ambulance Service stated that they received an emergency call at 4.40pm and dispatched an ambulance to the motorway, transporting one patient to hospital for further treatment.
After extensive work by the emergency services to clear the wreckage and ensure the safety of all motorists, all lanes were eventually reopened. However, the aftermath persisted, with traffic delays and residual congestion lasting well into the evening rush hour.
Latest Traffic and Travel Updates
Even after the lanes reopened, traffic remained heavy along the M62’s eastbound carriageway for several hours. National Highways Yorkshire reported that delays of up to 50 minutes and over five miles of slow-moving congestion continued as vehicles gradually cleared.
Drivers have been urged to check live traffic updates before setting off and to consider alternative routes to avoid further disruption. The AA and National Highways provided real-time updates throughout the incident, with interactive maps highlighting areas of gridlock and estimated journey times.
Elsewhere on the network, other areas of the M62 faced additional delays in recent weeks. A separate crash near Warrington led to emergency resurfacing work after a lorry crash and fuel leak shut down sections near Junction 9. Although no injuries were reported in that case, drivers experienced hour-long delays as repair teams worked to resolve the issue.
The Impact on Daily Commuters
For commuters across Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and beyond, the M62 is one of the region’s busiest and most critical motorways. Any major delays can have a knock-on effect across several local and regional roads. Motorists were seen leaving their vehicles to seek information, and some travelled at walking pace for miles. Many drivers expressed their frustration at the length of delays and the disruption to their plans.
The pressure on emergency services has also increased, as large incidents often require resources from several agencies. National Highways officers worked alongside the police and ambulance services to manage the scene, reopen lanes as quickly as possible, and ensure public safety.
Road Safety and Ongoing Investigations
The cause of this collision—and many similar incidents on the M62—remains under investigation. Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have dashcam footage to come forward. Road safety remains a top priority, and officials continue to remind motorists to observe speed limits, keep a safe distance, and remain attentive, especially during busy periods and adverse weather.
Recent data from National Highways shows that, on average, there are around 80 incidents a day on the M62 ranging from minor breakdowns to major collisions. While the majority are resolved quickly, some—like today’s incident—have a significant impact on travel and highlight the importance of driver awareness and prompt response from emergency services.
Expert Insights and Advice for Drivers
Experts recommend that motorists planning to use the M62—including those heading towards Leeds, Manchester, Hull, or Liverpool—should always check for live travel updates before their journey. The AA, National Highways, and major local news outlets regularly provide up-to-the-minute information that helps drivers make informed decisions.
Emma O’Connor from road safety charity Brake said, “Major incidents on key motorways like the M62 serve as a stark reminder of the need for patience, caution, and planning on the roads. Drivers should heed all official advice and avoid risky behaviour, particularly in heavy traffic and during lane closures.”
Rebuilding Confidence on the M62
As investigations continue and normality returns to the M62, focus shifts to how best to prevent similar incidents in the future. Investment in motorway infrastructure and ongoing campaigns on driver safety play a vital role. Motorists are hopeful that the lessons learned from such high-profile incidents will lead to safer journeys for all.
