Motorists endured eight-mile queues and hours of delays after a three-vehicle crash on the M40 today.

Traffic only began to move freely in the afternoon — more than five hours after the three-vehicle collision on the southbound carriageway between junction 10 at Cherwell Valley Services and junction 9 at Bicester.

The driver of a Land Rover Discovery, which was crushed in the collision, suffered only minor injuries and was due to be released from hospital today.

Sgt Bryan Smith, of Abingdon roads police, said: "It is miraculous — he sustained just bumps and scrapes."

Motorist Peter Unsworth, who was stuck in the ensuing tailbacks, said it took him three hours to travel just four miles along the M40 — and was stationary for almost two-and-a-half hours.

He said: "Even when we started moving, it was inch by inch.

"The Land Rover was virtually unrecognisable.

"Most of the drivers were fairly good tempered and accepted the inevitable."

The delays were caused by a collision between a Land Rover Discovery, an articulated truck and a tanker shortly before 9am.

Police shut part of the motorway for four hours.

The driver of the Land Rover had to be cut free from his vehicle.

Witnesses should call Abingdon roads police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.