MOTORISTS are facing delays due to a car which had caught fire on the A130.

The vehicle is blocking the southbound carriageway near the Howe Green junction with the A12.

Police and fire crews are at the scene.

A spokesman for the Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 12.36pm to a car fire on the A130.

“We sent three crews, one from Great Baddow, one from Chelmsford and one from Rayleigh Weir.

“It was out by 1.10pm and crews used breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets to tackle the fire.

“We received 28 999 calls.”

A spokesman for Essex Police confirmed they were called to assist the fire service.