A VAN on fire has caused major traffic disruption on a key route through Hampshire.

The A31 in the New Forest was totally closed westbound before the Mansfield Road exit at Ringwood for almost an hour this morning.

• More updates on our live traffic and travel service >>

One lane re-opened mid-morning from the M27 at Cadnam junction one to Ringwood, although long delays remained.

Traffic update group Romanse has told commuters to avoid the area as traffic is also slow on the eastbound route because of onlookers.

Commuters in the area should expect delays of up to 40 minutes and from M27 westbound junction one and two and from the A36 to A31 were long queues.

Traffic was being diverted southbound on the A337 to A35.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire Fire and Rescue confirmed that they were called to the scene to reports of a delivery van on fire.

The road remained partially closed until around 4.50pm, as the surface of the carriageway had to be repaired.