One lane of the A40 northbound has reopened to traffic after emergency services raced to the scene of a vehicle fire near Raglan Services, but there is still heavy congestion in the area as drivers face lengthy tailbacks onto the A449.

Traffic data from the AA shows long tailbacks on the eastbound carriageway between Raglan and the A40’s junction with the A449, before it changes direction and heads north towards Monmouth. Traffic Wales has confirmed that one lane has reopened since the closure, but still advises motorists to take care while passing through the area.

A spokesperson for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) confirmed they had been called to the scene.

“SWFRS received a call at around 1.19pm today, to reports of a vehicle fire on the A40 Northbound,” they said.

“Crews and appliances from Monmouth and Abercarn attended the incident where the fire had spread to the adjacent trees and bushes, and extinguished the fire using hose reel jets.The stop message was received at around 2.22pm.”