Havoc on roads as schools go back

Hundreds of motorists were caught up in mayhem during the school run today on the first day of term.

Half-mile tailbacks soon built up in Halesowen. Traffic was snaking back along the A456 Manor Way from the Grange Hill roundabout to junction three of the M5.

Workers at nearby firms also complained of traffic chaos and commuters were forced to find alternative routes.

Employees at Sandvik, in Manor Way, described the scene as "mayhem".

Lauren White, aged 26, said she was making her regular drive from her home in Birmingham to Kidderminster this morning, and the usual 45-minute commute took double the time.

"I had to turn back to get back on the motorway and drive along to junction four at Bromsgrove," she said.

"The traffic was backed up right up to the island. I was totally fed up with being stuck in the queues for so long."

Some youngsters were late for lessons on their first day of school.