Herts Police were called with reports of the smash just before junction 9 northbound at 11.45am (August 7). #M1 northbound within J8 - Congestion - Full details at https://t.co/RcCz8Hr3mX (Updated every 10 minutes) — Live Traffic - M1 (@Traffic_M1) August 7, 2026The vans were moved onto the hard shoulder by around 12.40pm but had initially blocked the full northbound carriageway. M1 traffic camera image on approach to the scene this afternoon (Image: National Highways)Miles of queues built on the approach, bringing an estimated 40 minutes of delays. Two lanes initially reopened before the carriageway was fully cleared. M1 traffic camera image on approach to the scene this afternoon (Image: National Highways)