TRAFFIC came to a near standstill across Winchester this morning after a lorry overturned on a busy main road.

The driver had to be cut free by fire crews and was flown by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance to North Hampshire Hospital.

It happened at around 7am on the north carriageway of the A34, just before its junction with the A303, Sutton Scotney, a police spokesman said.

Three fire engines attended – one from Winchester, another Whitchurch, and the third Redbridge, which has special cutting equipment, and two ambulances.

A silver Skoda Octavia was found in a ditch near the scene and recovered.

Its driver, a male in his 40's, was taken by land to North Hampshire Hospital. 

Commuters have faced delays of up to an hour throughout the day as traffic is diverted on to the A33 just above the M3, junction 9.

The A34 northbound remains closed from its junction with the A33.

Lane two of the A34 southbound was closed due to debris, but reopened at about 11.30am.

Kings Worthy, Abbots Worthy, St Cross, Otterbourne Road and Badger Farm Road all face congestion.

The drivers' injuries are not thought to be life threatening.