MOTORISTS faced long delays around Bournemouth on Wednesday evening after a three-car crash on a major route.

The vehicles were involved in a collision on the A338 near the Blackwater Junction shortly after 5.05pm.

Although the crash took place in the fast lane of the southbound carriageway, motorists travelling in both directions faced queues.

Police closed one lane to allow the vehicles to be recovered.

An ambulance was called but none of those involved needed to be taken to hospital.

A witness who drove past the collision told the Daily Echo: "We were stuck for about 40 minutes.

"Police had coned off the outside lane of the carriageway."

Motorists later reported that traffic on the route was "solid".

The crash also caused delays on the A31 westbound and in Parley Lane past Bournemouth Airport

At 4.50pm, police were called to the northbound carriageway of the A338 towards Ringwood after a vehicle broke down.

The incident is believed to have resulted in additional delays for motorists coming out of Bournemouth.