M1 live updates as drivers face major delays due to vehicle fire between junction 21a and junction 22

Drivers face delays of at least 30 minutes due to a vehicle fire on the M1. The incident initially closed the motorway in both directions, between junction 21a for Kirkby Muxloe and junction 22 for Markfield, affecting traffic heading through Leicestershire.

The southbound carriageway has reopened but the northbound stretch remains closed. Officials from the National Highways agency says there are delays of at least 30 minutes.

The police, fire crews and traffic officers are at the scene as of 1pm on Friday afternoon, February 16.

A diversion route is in place for drivers heading northbound:

• Exit at J21a on to the A46.
• Keep right to join the A46 Leicester Western Bypass.
• Exit at the interchange with the A50.
• At the roundabout take the first exit on to the A50 Markfield Road. Continue on the A50 to J22 of the M1.
• At the junction roundabout take the fourth exit to re-join the M1 northbound.

Motorway cameras show hefty tailbacks on the motorway - and traffic heading towards junction 22 is reported to be moving very slowly, according to traffic map Waze. Follow our blog for live updates, below.