THE main artery through Inverclyde was closed to traffic for more than SEVEN hours yesterday following a ‘severe’ fuel spillage.

Police and officials from trunk road operator Scotland Transerv were forced to shut the A8 eastbound in Port Glasgow at around 8am yesterday morning after diesel leaked across both of its lanes from a broken down lorry.

There was also a three-car crash on the same stretch of road.

Tailbacks quickly built up for rush hour commuters.

The situation caused travel chaos for motorists who were forced to go on a 20-mile diversion through upper Port Glasgow, Kilmacolm and Bridge of Weir towards the St James’ Roundabout in Paisley.

The road eventually reopened just before 3.20pm.

A spokeswoman for Scotland Transerv said: “The most problematic incident was on the eastbound carriageway due to a severe fuel spillage.

“A standard diversion was in place.

“We aim to get roads reopened as soon as we can.” Police say there were no injuries as a result of the collisions reported.

Roads bosses had to use special solution in an attempt to clear the fuel from the surface.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) were also said to have been involved in the lengthy clean-up operation.

The Tele understands the vehicle which caused the diesel spillage was taken away by police.