M1 and M25 junction closed after lorry fire as delays prompt major tailbacks

A huge lorry fire at a major junction between the M1 and M25 is causing significant two hour delays for motorists this morning.

Firefighters are currently at the scene near Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, after the fire broke out at around 6am this morning.

The lorry burst into flames on the M1 southbound slip road at Junction 6a, towards junction 21a of the M25 at Bricket Wood.

Highways England has closed the junction "due to the severity of the HGV fire".

They added the fire was causing 12 miles of congestion likely to add around two hours onto usual journey times.

The incident is also having a knock-on effect on local roads through St Albans on the A414 and A405 as drivers attempt to avoid the closure.

Hertfordshire Constabulary tweeted: "Please avoid the area whilst the fire is extinguished and use other routes. All agencies working to get the road opened ASAP."

The road is still expected to be closed until 2.30pm according to Highways England as the recovery continues.

Another crash involving an ambulance, a HGV and a car is causing 90 minute delays anti-clockwise between Junction 10 and 12 of the M25 in Surrey .