Motorists on the Isle of Wight are being told to avoid Brading and the roads into and out of the town after two vehicles leaked fuel onto the roads.

The road between Brading and Yaverland Cross has been closed and is expected to remain closed for the next two to three hours at least. Police are investigating the cause of the spillages. 

At this time, it is believe that at least 300 litres of fuel has gone into the drainage system.  The Environment Agency is dealing with that problem.

Shortly after 8am, it was reported that an articulated lorry had lost its fuel in front of the post office at Brading High Street.  Subsequently a bus was stopped at Shanklin when it was discovered that its fuel tank was leaking.  It had dropped fuel between Brading and Shanklin.

There have been a number of road traffic collisions in the area around Brading.  These are believed to have been caused by drivers losing control because they have driven through the fuel spillages.  Fortunately, there do not appear to be any serious injuries.
 
The road closure is expected to remain in place at least for the rest of daylight hours, as the Isle of Wight Highways Department removes and renews sand put down to absorb the spillage.

Cars driving behind the bus and near the High Street spillage have spread diesel throughout the area, and a large number of road traffic collisions occurred.  There were no serious injuries as a result of the collisions.

Brading residents are being allowed to use a council car park at the north end of the town until the High Street can be opened.

Police are warning motorists to be particularly careful for several days when driving in the Brading area.  They should take particular care in the event of rain, which would bring diesel back to the road surface.