M1 Traffic Update Today: Motorists travelling on the M1 are facing significant delays on Thursday evening as several incidents caused congestion across key stretches of the motorway. A broken vehicle on the southbound carriageway near Derby led to lane closures, while heavy traffic built up on northbound sections near Mansfield, Hemel Hempstead and Dunstable. Motorists have been advised to travel with extra time as traffic officers continue to monitor conditions across the route.Â
M1 Traffic Update TodayÂ
Traffic disruption was reported at multiple locations on the M1 during the evening rush hour, affecting commuters and long-distance travellers across England. National Highways traffic alerts showed congestion on both northbound and southbound sections of the motorway, with delays developing around several major junctions.
The latest updates indicated that traffic conditions remained particularly busy near Derby, Mansfield, Hemel Hempstead and Dunstable as vehicles slowed through affected areas.
M1 Traffic Update Today:Â What Happened on the M1?
The most significant incident involved a broken-down vehicle on the M1 southbound between Junction 24 (Derby) and Junction 23A. The incident resulted in two of the motorway’s four lanes being closed, reducing traffic capacity and creating queues during one of the busiest travel periods of the day.
At the same time, separate congestion hotspots developed on the northbound carriageway between Junction 27 and Junction 28 near Mansfield and between Junction 8 and Junction 9 near Hemel Hempstead and Dunstable. Traffic monitoring services continued to report slow-moving conditions across these sections.
M1 Traffic Update Today:Â What Caused the Delays?
Authorities said the southbound disruption stemmed from a broken-down vehicle that forced lane closures between Junction 24 and Junction 23A. With only two lanes available to traffic, vehicles experienced slower journey times as they approached the affected stretch.
Meanwhile, heavy traffic volumes contributed to congestion on several northbound sections. The combination of commuter traffic, merging vehicles at junctions and reduced speeds caused delays to build throughout the evening. Traffic experts note that junction-heavy sections of major motorways often experience bottlenecks during peak travel periods.
M1 Traffic Update Today:Â Which Roads Are Affected?
The disruption affected several key sections of the M1, including:
- Southbound between Junction 24 (Derby) and Junction 23A
- Southbound between Junction 25 and Junction 24A near Nottingham and Derby
- Northbound between Junction 27 and Junction 28 near Mansfield
- Northbound between Junction 8 and Junction 9 between Hemel Hempstead and Dunstable
- Northbound within Junction 8 and Junction 9, where traffic remained slow-moving
Drivers travelling through the East Midlands and parts of Hertfordshire experienced the most significant delays.
M1 Traffic Update Today:Â Diversion Routes for M1 Drivers
- Southbound drivers between Junction 24 (Derby) and Junction 23A can exit at Junction 24 and follow the A453 towards the A42 before rejoining the M1 beyond the affected area.
- Motorists travelling near Mansfield on the northbound carriageway may consider alternative routes via the A38 and A608, depending on their destination.
- Drivers travelling between Hemel Hempstead and Dunstable can use sections of the A5 and A414 as alternative routes where suitable.
- Check live traffic and navigation updates before taking a diversion, as road conditions can change quickly.
- Follow official diversion signs and instructions issued by National Highways traffic officers.
- Allow extra travel time, especially during peak-hour congestion and ongoing incident management.
M1 Traffic Update Today:Â When Will Traffic Return to Normal?
Traffic authorities said normal traffic conditions were expected between 6:45 pm and 7:00 pm on June 18, provided the broken-down vehicle was cleared and lane restrictions removed.
However, congestion can continue for some time even after an incident is resolved, particularly during peak travel hours. Drivers were advised to monitor live traffic updates before setting out on their journeys.
M1 Traffic Update Today:Â Traffic Advise for Drivers
Motorists travelling on the M1 are advised to:
- Allow extra time for journeys.
- Check live traffic updates before departure.
- Consider alternative routes where possible.
- Follow instructions from National Highways traffic officers.
- Maintain safe distances from other vehicles in slow-moving traffic.
Drivers approaching affected junctions should remain alert for sudden braking and lane changes as congestion continues to clear.
M1 Traffic Update Today: Helpline Numbers and Travel Assistance
Drivers seeking real-time traffic information or assistance can use the following services:
- National Highways Customer Contact Centre: 0300 123 5000
- National Highways Emergency Traffic Information: 0300 123 5000
- Traffic England Travel Updates: Available through the official Traffic England service.
- Emergency Services: 999 (for accidents, medical emergencies, or dangerous situations)
- Non-Emergency Police Assistance: 101
Travellers are also advised to monitor live traffic updates from National Highways, local police forces, and motorway traffic monitoring services before starting their journey.
