M18 closed near Doncaster after solar panel blown off building roof

The M18 was shut in both directions between Junction 3 and Junction 4 as South Yorkshire Police dealt with the incident close to Junction 4. The A630 West Moor Link was also closed between junction 4 and the roundabout at the junction with Yorkshire Way.

Police said heavy winds caused a solar panel to blow off a building roof. As they were unsure if the panel had fallen to the ground, or whether it was still hanging from a height and therefore at risk of blowing into passing traffic, the road was closed as a safety measure.

The police’s efforts to locate the panel were made more difficult by nightfall. In the meantime, up to three kilometres of traffic had built up in some areas.

The road has now reopened.