MOTORISTS were caught in long tailbacks on the M65 and surrounding roads yesterday after two incidents on the westbound carriageway.

At 6.50am a Ford Focus, a Ford Ka and a Peugeot van collided just after junction three at Riley Green.

A Highways Agency team from Samlesbury had to remove one vehicle that was blocking the outside lane.

The other two vehicles had been driven onto the hard shoulder. Traffic police also attended the scene.

One driver sustained a minor whiplash injury and was taken by ambulance to the Royal Blackburn Hospital for checks.

All three drivers were breathalysed and all readings were negative.

It is believed that delays added an hour and a half onto commuting times for those stuck in subsequent traffic, but the carriageway was completely free by 8.35am.

Another accident occured at about 7.20am just before junction five of the M65.

Four cars shunted into one another, and two cars were blocking the carriageway for approximately five minutes before being moved to the hard shoulder.

There was slight damage to the cars involved, and the drivers pulled onto the hard shoulder to exchange details.

Nobody is believed to have been injured the incident.

Neil Sterio from the Highways Agency, said: "There was a lot of standing water on the carriageways and people weren't driving to the conditions.

"Drivers need to remember that in wet conditions, braking distances can be up to double what they are in dry conditions."

A police spokesperson said: "There has been flooding up and down the motorway network.

"According to the weather reports, this weather is likely to be with us for another two or three days so I would urge people to take extra care in the wet and dark."