A large oil spill on the M5 southbound is causing significant delays for motorists travelling towards Exeter and beyond this morning.

National Highways confirmed that lanes 2 and 3 have been closed between junction 30 and junction 31, the Okehampton turn-off on the A38, to allow crews to make the carriageway safe.

Contractors are understood to be en route to deal with the spillage.

Traffic monitoring service Inrix reports queueing traffic stretching back three miles, with congestion tailing all the way to junction 29 at the Exeter and Honiton interchange. Delays of up to 60 minutes are expected on approach.

Clearance times have not yet been confirmed. National Highways is warning all drivers using this route to allow extra time for their journey.

DRIVER ADVICE:
– Avoid the M5 southbound between J30 and J31 where possible
– Allow at least 60 extra minutes if you must use this route
– Consider the A38 via local roads as an alternative
– Check live updates via National Highways or Inrix before setting off

This is a developing story and will be updated as the situation changes.