Derbyshire traffic and travel: Update after herd of cows causes M1 delays
National Highways have issued an update after two lanes were closed on the M1 near Derbyshire due to reports of animals trespassing onto the motorway.
National Highway received reports of cows at the side of the M1 Southbound between junctions J25 (Nottingham/ Derby) and J24A (East Midlands Airport/ Loughborough) at 10.44 am today (Tuesday, June 16).
Two lanes of the motorway were closed due to ‘animals on the road’.
Motorists were urged to allow additional time for their journeys, and motorway cameras showed traffic building up in the area.
National Highways have now confirmed the animals in question, a herd of cows, came through a fence from a neighbouring field and entered a grass verge on the side of the motorway.
The animals did not enter the road, however two lanes were closed due to safety concerns.
The farmer, the owner of the animals, was contacted and the cows have now safely returned to their field.
The motorway has since reopened.
A spokesperson for National Highways said: “We received an initial report of a herd of cows on a grass verge at the side of the M1 between J25 and J24a at 10.44am.
“They had come through a fence from a neighbouring field and remained on the verge.
“National Highways traffic officers attended, and two lanes of the southbound carriageway were closed for the safety of the animals while the farmer was contacted.
“The cows were quickly returned to the field and all lanes were reopened at 11.08am.”