M1 chaos: Huge vehicle fire on motorway near Luton Airport causes severe delays for thousands of Britons
'Long delays on approach' to M1 has caused huge congestion
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Drivers have been warned to expect “long delays on approach” to a major motorway this morning as emergency services attend a critical vehicle fire near London Luton Airport.
The M1 in Bedfordshire is currently closed southbound between J12 (Toddington) and J11A (Chalton) after two vehicles collided earlier this morning, resulting in a huge fire.
Emergency services are attending the scene with air ambulances being called to assist alongside Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue.
National Highways Traffic Officers are also on hand to help with traffic management while diversion routes have been put in place.
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Traffic around London Luton Airport could cause some to miss their flights
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
The agency shared on social media: "Traffic is now being held on the #M1 northbound to allow air ambulances to land and attend the scene between J11A and J12 (Toddington). We'll keep you updated on any changes. Long delays on approach.
“If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."
National Highways is warning that motorists face delays which could last two and a half hours as traffic officers continue to deal with the incident.
According to live traffic data, the event is expected to clear by around 12.30pm, with normal traffic conditions returning at the same time.
Drivers have been advised to exit the M1 at Junction 12 onto the A5120 and follow the hollow circle diversion symbol on road signs.
From here, they should continue on the A5120 through Toddington to the A5120/The Green T-Junction, Houghton Regis. At the T-Junction, National Highways said they should take a left turn onto “The Green”.
Once on “The Green”, motorists should continue through Houghton Regis to The Green/Park Road North Roundabout. At the roundabout, they can take the third exit onto Park Road North before continuing on Park Road North and merging onto Poynters Road.
National Highways advised continuing on the Poynters Road to the Poynters Road/A505/A5065 Roundabout before taking the first exit onto the A505 Dunstable Road. Drivers should continue on the A505 Dunstable Road to re-join the M1 at Junction 11.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service told GB News: "At 9.25am this morning (Wednesday, October 23) crews from Stopsley, Dunstable and Luton were called to a car fire on the M1 between J11 and J11A.
"Firefighters used a hose reel to extinguish the fire. One casualty is in the care of Ambulance Service. Crews currently remain at the scene and a road closure is in place northbound."
National Highways warned drivers that the M1 is closed southbound due to a collision which has resulted in a car subsequently catching fire with delays expected to last all morning.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Traffic delays on the M1 are expected to remain in the coming hours
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
The M1 southbound between J11A, Chalton and J11 in Dunstable has reopened following the earlier incident with two out of four lanes still remaining closed.
National Highways said it expects delays "in excess" of one hour while traffic has been released in all lanes on the northbound carriageway.
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