MOTORISTS were stuck in queues for more than an hour after two crashes on the A31 on Tuesday morning.


Drivers were caught in the traffic jams on the major road following a collision between a van and a lorry during morning rush hour.

Emergency services were called to the scene between the Canford Bottom roundabout and Merley roundabout just after 8am.

Fire, police and ambulance were sent to the scene, with the road partially closed as a result of the incident.

Officers were directing traffic at the scene, with part of the westbound carriageway shut to allow police to deal with the crash.

A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service said they were called at 8.01am to the two vehicle crash.

There were two male casualties, one with a foot injury and the other with a leg injury.

Two ambulances attended the scene and took both men to Poole Hospital for treatment.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area due to the traffic issues, with delays of more than an hour Ringwood-bound.

The road was reopened at 10.44am once both vehicles had been recovered, said a spokesperson for Dorset Police.

The lorry suffered a broken windscreen and other front end damage. 
The van was registered to a Southampton address and the lorry to a Cleveland company.

Travel Dorset reported a second crash at St Ives just a few minutes later.

A lane was closed southbound, they said, with slow traffic between Ashley Heath and Woolsbridge roundabouts.

Cars were queueing on all approaches to Ashley Heath roundabout, heading towards Ringwood.

Those travelling from West Moors were warned of 45 minute delays westbound, with motorists travelling east from Corfe Mullen stuck for more than half an hour.

Delays on surrounding routes took until just before midday to clear once the A31 had been fully reopened.

Officers thanked motorists for their patience.