M1 crash LIVE: Traffic chaos on major UK motorway after horror lorry smash

A major UK motorway was brought to a standstill this afternoon after a collision involving two lorries[1] - which sparked long delays close to Luton Airport[2]. Three out of four lanes were forced to close on the southbound stretch of the M1 between junction 11 (Dunstable) and junction 10 (Luton). National Highways East later said the closure had been lifted, but that residual delays were ongoing near the airport as it warned drivers to leave extra time for their journeys.

21:42Zahra Khaliq

Live blog closed

This live blog is now closed.

Traffic on the M1 has cleared fully following an earlier closure. Visit the Mirror's homepage[3] for all the latest news.

18:40Zahra Khaliq

Traffic easing

Traffic appears to be easing on the M1 in Bedfordshire following a two-lorry collision this afternoon, according to live traffic feeds.

16:42KEY EVENT

Live traffic camera shows huge queue in Bedfordshire

There are ongoing residual delays on the M1 in Bedforshire this afternoon. Drivers heading towards Luton Airport have been warned to plan ahead and leave extra time for their journeys.

Traffic between Junction 13 and 12 on the M1 (Highways England)16:36Zahra Khaliq

Heavy traffic between Junction 13 and 12

Traffic hasn't yet eased on the M1 in Bedfordshire, with cars seen stuck in huge queues between Luton and Milton Keynes.

National Highways earlier warned commuters to expect residual delays following an earlier closure between J11 and J10.

15:53Zahra Khaliq

Congestion continues

There are currently residual delays of around 30 minutes on the M1 following an earlier closure between J11 and J10, which was sparked by a collison between two HGVs.

According to traffic cameras, delays appear to have gone beyond the closure, with traffic seen along J12 and J13.

Congestion on the M1 between Junction 12 and 13 (Highways England)15:36Zahra Khaliq

National Highways issues update

National Highways says all lanes are now open on the M1 southbound between J11 (Dunstable) and J10 (Luton) - but there are still 30 minute residual delays. "Please allow extra journey time whilst traffic flow returns to normal," it said.

15:35Zahra Khaliq

Traffic officers called to the scene

Traffic officers have been called to the scene with recovery arranged, National Highways said.

Queues are building up on the M1 southbound around J11 (Dunstable) and J10 (Luton).

15:33KEY EVENT

Delays heading towards Luton Airport

Commuters are being warned to leave extra time for their journeys as there are currently delays of around 30 minutes on the M1 near Luton Airport.

15:26KEY EVENT

Traffic cameras show cars in bumper to bumper traffic

Live images taken from traffic cameras minutes ago show drivers stuck in huge queues on the M1 in Luton following a crash between two lorries.

Drivers are facing huge delays on the M1 near Luton Airport (Highways England)15:16Zahra Khaliq

Drivers facing delays of 30 minutes

Drivers are currentl facings delays of around 30 minutes on the M1 near Luton.

References

1. ^ collision involving two lorries (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ Luton Airport (www.mirror.co.uk)
3. ^ homepage (www.mirror.co.uk)