A BROKEN-down lorry caused heavy delays and tailback on the A31 westbound at St Leonards on Thursday.

One lane was blocked on the A31 Ringwood Road towards the Woolsbridge roundabout which resulted in queues stretching as far back as the roadworks at Ringwood.

It also added to queues attempting to join the A338 at the Ashley Heath roundabout.

Bournemouth Echo: Broken down lorry sees long delays on the A31 at St Leonards. Picture: Paul SkidmoreBroken down lorry sees long delays on the A31 at St Leonards. Picture: Paul Skidmore

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “We received a report at 8.03am of a broken-down lorry on the A31 Ringwood Road at St Leonards. It was reported that one lane was blocked.

“Officers attended to assist with traffic management as recovery was arranged. Officers left the scene at around 11.45am.”

After the lorry was removed, resident Paul Skidmore reported that traffic on the A31 and surrounding roads “persisted for a significant period afterwards”.