Motorists are facing chaos today after a dramatic accident forced the closure of one of the south’s major roads.

The A34 has been closed in both directions after a car transporter being towed by a recovery truck broke free and smashed through the central reservation barrier.

The accident at Whitchurch just after 11pm last night also send cars on the transporter spilling across the road.

As a result police have said that the road, which links the M3 with the Midlands will be closed for most of the day for repairs.

The 29-year-old driver of the tow truck has been arrested over allegations of with dangerous driving, driving with an insecure load and causing danger to other road users.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the crash which happened as the load travelled towards Bullington Cross.

They say no one was injured and have asked any witnesses to contact Sergeant Lyndon Barrett at Whitchurch police quoting Operation Bodmin by phoning 101.

Diversions have been put in place but a police spokesman urged drivers to find alternative routes as the road is likely to remain closed for most of today to allow for repairs to the road surface and barriers.