A LORRY fire on the M4 earlier today has damaged 50 meters of motorway.

A spokesperson for the Wiltshire police said that the driver got out before the lorry cab was engulfed.

Drivers are being advised to allow extra time on the M4 following the incident.

The loaded car transporter caught fire between junction 16 and 17 westbound at approximately 9.20am, leaving the carriageway blocked for a large part of the morning.

Six firefighters from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue attended the scene, and extinguished the fire using three main jets and one hose reel jet. 

Recovery of the burnt-out vehicles and the transporter is ongoing and will continue into the evening peak.

Following the recovery, Highways England will resurface a fire-damaged 50-metre section of lane 1 and the hard shoulder overnight tonight.

Lanes 1 and 2 westbound remain closed past the scene of the incident for safety reasons and recovery.

The incident happened on the stretch of motorway between Swindon and Chippenham.

Highways England have been able to open lane 3 past the scene, but delays are anticipated and drivers are advised to consider their routes before making their journeys.