A VEHICLE has been abandoned on the M6 causing the outside lane to close. 

The incident is affecting traffic on the northbound carriage between junctions 18, for Middlewich and Holmes Chapel, and junction 19, the Tabley Interchange.

Traffic is moving slowly through the affected area, and is not expected to return to normal until between 1.45pm and 2pm.

A spokesman for National Highways North-West said: "There is an incident on the M6 northbound between junction 18 and junction 19.

"The cause is an abandoned vehicle and the incident is still active.

"Normal traffic conditions are expected between 1.45pm and 2pm on Saturday, September 9."