THERE are traffic problems on the A12 after a van caught fire earlier this afternoon.

The incident happened on the northbound carriage between junction 19 and 20, near Boreham and Hatfield Peverel, at about 1.20pm.

Four fire crews raced to the scene after receiving “dozens” of calls from passing motorists. The fire was out by 1.45pm.

All lanes have now reopened but traffic is slow.