An articulated lorry driver who tried to turn his vehicle on the A361 near Trowbridge has blocked the main road to the A350 and Devizes causing major delays.

Police were called out to direct queuing traffic outside the West Wiltshire Crematorium near Semington at around 1pm this afternoon (Thursday).

The driver of the R R Memmory Haulage HGV got stuck in a muddy grass verge and completely blocked the road in both directions as he tried to turn his vehicle.

Eyewitnesses said the driver attempted to reverse the 44-tonne Scania lorry into the track near the traveller camp when it got stuck.

One said: “It’s likely to be stuck there for a while as they await specialist recovery units.”

Drivers are advised to find an alternative road until the road is cleared.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The scene on the main A361 with the 44-tonne artic lorry blocking the main road. Image: Trevor Porter 76897-4The scene on the main A361 with the 44-tonne artic lorry blocking the main road. Image: Trevor Porter 76897-4 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The firm’s owner, Bob Memmory, who founded the Sheffield trucking company in 1979, said the driver had dropped off a load in London and was on his way to pick up another when he got stuck.

“He was on the wrong road and tried to turn round but the space was not big enough to turn round in," he said.