TRAFFIC is at a standstill on the M3 after a road traffic collision caused a pile up of four cars and a lorry.

The incident happened at around 12pm today causing the southbound lane one to be closed completely at junction 11.

The road reopened at about 2.10am.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: “Motorists are being advised to avoid the southbound carriageway of the M3 around junctions 9 and 10, following a multiple vehicle collision.

“Officers are on the scene, following reports of a collision at about 11.55am this morning.

“Police believe a small HGV lorry collided with four vehicles parked on the hard shoulder. Four people have sustained minor injuries.

“Only one lane of the southbound carriageway is currently open. It is not yet known when the other lanes will re-open.”

The South Central Ambulance Service sent three ambulance crew members and one rapid response vehicle to the scene when they received the call just before midday.

The four injured people were taken to Southampton General Hospital.