POLICE today urged motorway drivers to use their common sense in adverse weather conditions.

It follows a multiple accident on the M4 that caused havoc for drivers in the rush hour yesterday.

Up to 10 vehicles were involved in the smash, which happened on the eastbound carriageway just after junction 15 east of Swindon.

Police, fire and ambulance services from Swindon attended the crash, which initially blocked all three lanes of the motorway and caused queues of more than six miles stretching towards Chippenham.

The situation was made worse by fog, which restricted visibility and made driving conditions difficult.

Police spokesman Alvina Kumar said: "We always urge people to drive according to the conditions, and that means lowering speed and leaving extra space between yourself and the vehicle in front."

The accident happened after a Seat Inca van was struck in the third lane. The car was badly damaged and the driver had to be freed by firefighters.

The first car involved in the 10-vehicle shunt on the M4 failed to stop.

Mrs Kumar said: "We would like to talk to the driver of this vehicle and ask him or her to come forward." Witnesses have been urged to call PC Nick Cooke on 528111.

The collision, at around 7.20am, started a chain of shunts that blocked the entire eastbound carriageway for much of the rush hour.

Roads surrounding junction 15 at Commonhead were also congested after police blocked off access to the M4 eastbound.

Traffic built up around the new hospital on the A419 and the A4259 Marlborough Road towards Swindon and the A346 towards Marlborough.