A LORRY that skidded across the A34 Southern By-Pass Road and sparked queues of traffic has been cleared.

One lane was blocked southbound just before the Hinksey Hill interchange, and tailbacks stretched back to the Botley Interchange.

Highways England said the lorry has since been recovered, despite its initial estimates that traffic would not clear until 4.45pm-5pm.

The road was closed at Hinksey Hill and traffic was diverted via the slip roads.

According to Google Maps, a five minute journey from Botley Interchange to Hinksey Hill at 2pm was taking almost 40 minutes.

Jonathan Chainey, a spokesman for Thames Valley Police, said the crash was damage-only.