COMMUTERS faced delays of up to 80 minutes while travelling on the motorway this morning after large potholes opened up in the carriageway.

Two lanes on the M40 southbound were closed between junction 7 for Thame and junction 6 for Watlington until around 8am and traffic was backed up for much of the morning.

Oxford Mail:

By 11am, the road was operating normally again.

It comes after emergency repairs were carried out after heavy overnight rain cause two large potholes to form.

Highways England said at 8.30am: "The M40 currently has residual delays of at least 75 minutes from J8 to J6, covering several miles of southbound carriageway. 

"The delays are due to earlier carriageway repair work which took place between J7 and J6 where lanes 2 & 3 (of 3) were closed. 

"All lanes of the south carriageway re-opened at 7.55 this morning."

Traffic between Oxford and London was affected with queues stretching back to junction 8A for Oxford services. 

Drivers were recommended to take another route if possible.