Motorists are facing traffic chaos on the first day after the long Bank Holiday weekend, as an overturned lorry causes severe delays of at least 90 minutes.
Three lanes of the M1 northbound in Bedfordshire have been closed between J10 Pepperstock Interchange (Luton (S), Luton Airport A1081) and J11 Leagrave Interchange (Luton, Dunstable A505).
Earlier this morning, a heavy goods vehicle overturned, resulting in 350 litres of diesel being spilt across the carriageway.
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National Highways reported that its traffic patrol officers are at the scene, alongside specialist recovery and maintenance contractors.
Drivers can expect to see long delays on the motorway throughout the day
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The HGV was fully loaded when it overturned, with National Highways stating that the load needs to be removed before it can be recovered.
It warned that this was a "slow process", with recovery contractors "working as quickly as they can" to remove the blockage.
However, drivers face longer delays once the HGV is recovered, as three lanes of the northbound carriageway will need to be resurfaced.
The incident has caused significant delays near London Luton Airport
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National Highways stated: "Therefore, the lanes will remain closed for a significant amount of time, potentially for the remainder of today.
"This incident and the lane closures are causing delays of 90 mins above normal journey time and nine miles of congestion."
Drivers are being warned that if the incident impacts their planned route, they should allow for extra time.
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Drivers will continue to deal with long delays throughout the day
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They may even wish to re-route or delay their journey because of the road disruptions.
The Roads Policing Unit for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, and East England Ambulance Service are at the scene.
Speaking to GB News, an East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called just after 5.50am to a road traffic collision involving a car and a lorry on the northbound M1 between Junctions 10 and 11.
Motorists are experiencing long delays near London Luton Airport
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"An ambulance officer vehicle was dispatched to the scene, where both drivers were found out of their vehicles and reported that they did not require a physical assessment."
GB News has reached out to the emergency services for a comment.