M1 traffic LIVE: Traffic nightmare as major UK motorway shut, sparking chaotic delays

Tailbacks caused due to a police incident on the M1 have now cleared.

National Highways updated drivers on X.

It said: "Delays have CLEARED on the #M1 southbound between J12 #Toddington and J11 #Luton following an earlier @bedspolice led incident."

The M1 was shut in both directions earlier today due to a police incident involving a vulnerable person.

Both carriageways are no re-open and police have confirmed that the person is safe.

In an update on X Bedforshire Police said: "The M1 between junctions 11 and 12 is now re-opened in the northbound direction.

"The incident involving the vulnerable person has been resolved and they are safe and well.

"Thank you all for your patience."

Drivers stuck in traffic for hours have been thanked for their patience.

As the M1 motorway was re-opened in both directions the National Highways took to social media to update motorists.

The M1 is now open in both directions after a police incident.

National Highways has updated motorists on social media platform X to warn that there will still be delays along the route.

The update says: "The #M1 is now OPEN southbound between J12 #Toddington and J11 #Luton due to an earlier @bedspolice led incident.

"There are 30 minute delays and approx. 3 miles of congestion approaching J12. Thank you for your patience."

Drivers have been warned to expect long delays along the M1 today.

The National Highways Agency has updated motorists on social media platform X.

It said: "The #M1 remains CLOSED southbound between J12 #Toddington and J11 #Luton due to a @bedspolice led incident, there are 40 minute delays approaching the closure.

"The #M1 northbound J11a - J12 is OPEN, thank you for your patience."

You can see the full tweet below.

The southbound carriageway on the M1 remains closed as police continue to tackle an ongoing incident.

You can see the full update from National Highways in a tweet below on social media platform X.

Officers say that they are helping a "vulnerable person" in the midst of a major road closure.

You can see the Bedforshire Police's full statement on social media platform X below.

There is a diversion route in place along the M1 southbound. It is as follows:

Road users travelling southbound are advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol on road signs

Exit the M1 at Junction 12 onto the A5120.

Continue on the A5120 through Toddington to the A5120/The Green T – Junction, Houghton Regis.

At the T – Junction take a left turn onto The Green.

Continue on The Green through Houghton Regis to The Green/Park Road North Roundabout.

At roundabout take the third exit onto Park Road North.

Continue on the Park Road North and merge onto Poynters Road.

Continue on the Poynters Road t o t he Poynters Road/A505/A5065 Roundabout.

At the roundabout take the first exit onto the A505 Dunstable Road.

Continue on the A505 Dunstable Road to re-join the M1 at Junction 11.

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. 

Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our  www.trafficengland.com  website and travel apps, or via our regional X feed. Our 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000. 

Hi. I'm Mieka Smiles and I'll be bringing you the latest on this event.

Please contact me with any information you'd like to share - mieka.smiles@reachplc.com or @miekasmiles on X.