A12 Partially Blocked Near Chelmsford After Stalled Vehicle Causes Fuel Spillage – Drivers Face Delays
Chelmsford, Essex – Friday, 10th April 2026
Motorists on the A12 near Chelmsford are experiencing traffic delays this morning after a stalled vehicle led to a fuel spillage on the northbound carriageway.
The incident happened earlier today on the A12 northbound, with the road partially blocked between Junction 18 (A414/Sandon) and Junction 19 (Boreham Interchange / A131). A broken-down vehicle spilled fuel onto the carriageway, prompting a swift response from recovery teams.
According to live traffic reports, there was a brief full hold on traffic at around 5:50am lasting approximately five minutes while the initial hazard was assessed. The carriageway has since reopened to partial traffic flow, but queueing traffic remains in the area, with motorists advised to expect some delays on the busy Essex route.
A12 Chelmsford Traffic Update: What Drivers Need to Know
- Location: A12 northbound, approaching Boreham Interchange (J19), near Chelmsford bypass.
- Cause: Stalled/broken-down vehicle with associated fuel spillage on the road surface.
- Current Status: Partially blocked – one or more lanes affected, with ongoing clearance and safety measures.
- Impact: Moderate delays building on the northbound side; southbound traffic largely unaffected so far.
National Highways and Essex travel teams are monitoring the situation closely. Recovery crews are working to remove the vehicle and clean up the spilled fuel to restore full capacity as quickly as possible.
Drivers heading north through Chelmsford are being urged to:
- Allow extra time for their journeys
- Check live traffic apps or National Highways updates before setting off
- Consider alternative routes via the A414 or local roads if possible to avoid the worst of the queues