M1 chaos: Police hunt for dog 'running loose' as drivers face long delays with busy motorway closed

National Highways: Yorkshire reported that the road has been closed because a dog is "loose and running around" the road.

South Yorkshire Police are on the scene, trying to contain and remove the dog from the road to ensure traffic can continue to move.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk

Congestion maps show a large stretch of the M1 closed, with surrounding areas showing very slow or stationary vehicle traffic.

National Highways traffic maps estimate that the event is expected to clear between 1.30pm and 1.45pm later this afternoon.

Normal traffic conditions are expected to return at the same time, with current delays of 30 minutes.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson told The Star: "The M1 southbound between J31 Worksop and J30 Sheffield is currently closed.

"At 9.22am today (April 9, 2025), we received reports of a dog on the southbound carriageway. Officers are currently at the scene attempting to bring the dog to safety."

A diversion route had been in place for motorists around the area impacted by the road closure.

Drivers could still be advised to avoid the area, given the time it may take for delays to clear from the M1 and surrounding roads.

Posting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, National Highways: Yorkshire provided an update saying the road was now open.

It added: "Closure of the motorway for the dog stood down and traffic has been released. All lanes now open.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Ford offers to install EV home chargers and give drivers 10,000 free miles - 'One-of-a-kind promise'
• Elon Musk faces fresh headache as used Tesla prices drop amid fears of 'unprecedented brand damage'
• A1 traffic: Horror five-vehicle crash causes hours-long closure of major road as police launch investigation

"It'll take time for delays to clear as traffic was held for an extended duration."